Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has again assured residents of the state of his administration’s commitment to the protection of lives and property, declaring that security remains a top priority of his government.
The governor gave the assurance on Friday during the commissioning of the newly reconstructed Moniya Area Command Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force, executed by the Akinyele Local Government. Makinde was represented at the event by the Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal.
Also commissioned by the governor were two motorised boreholes located at the Rehabilitation Centre for the Physically Challenged in Isabiyi Ward 6 and at Akuro Community in Olorisaoko Ward 11.
Speaking at the event, Governor Makinde said the reconstruction of the Area Command was a clear demonstration of the administration’s resolve to proactively confront security challenges across the state.
He noted that Moniya and the entire Akinyele Local Government area are fast emerging as major centres of commercial and urban activity due to ongoing infrastructure projects such as the Circular Road, the Ilutuntun Business District and the Dry Port.
“These developments will continue to attract more people into this axis, and as a responsible government, we must expand our capacity to protect the people,” the governor said. “That is why this Area Command is strategically important, not just for public safety but also for sustaining a stable environment for investment and economic growth.”
Makinde commended the quality of the project and the inclusion of key facilities to enhance effective policing.
“This project has a lot of facilities that will help officers to perform their duties effectively. It also comes with a borehole, and I want to commend the local government chairman for that,” he said.
He also called on residents to take ownership of security in their communities.
“As a community, we must speak up when we see anything suspicious. In Oyo State, we have decided to confront insecurity head-on. Most of the needs of our security agencies are being met regularly. In fact, if you see any vehicle carrying the logo of the Nigeria Police Force, just know that the state government donated it,” he stated.
The governor further revealed that at national security meetings, he constantly highlights the heavy support being provided by state governments to the Nigeria Police.
“The only thing states do not buy are arms and ammunition. Everything else, equipment, mobility and logistics, are largely provided by the states. And we will continue to do this in Oyo State because we appreciate what the Police are doing for us,” he added.
Makinde assured that any additional needs beyond the capacity of the local government would be addressed by the state government and disclosed that the contract for the road in front of the new Area Command had already been awarded and work had commenced.
He concluded by affirming the state’s leading position on security in the region, saying, “In the whole of the South-West, Oyo State stands as the safest. We have the records and the statistics, and we are proud of that status.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of Akinyele Local Government, Hon. Akinwole Akinleye, said the rebuilt Area Command was designed to reposition the police to effectively secure the state’s border communities and respond to emerging security challenges linked to urban expansion.
He explained that the new facility is equipped with modern infrastructure to enable officers tackle security issues arising from projects such as the Ilutuntun Business District and the ongoing Circular Road.
While commending Governor Makinde for continuously strengthening the security architecture of the state, Akinleye assured residents that more people-oriented projects would follow as part of the local government’s contribution to good governance.
In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Femi Haruna, represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Isiaka Salahudeen, urged residents to support security agencies with timely and useful information to curb crime and other social vices.
He stressed that security is a collective responsibility and reaffirmed the readiness of the police to continue working with other security agencies in support of the state government’s