The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has called on eligible indigenes of Oyo State to take advantage of the ongoing recruitment exercise into the Nigeria Police Force and enlist in the law enforcement agency.
Ladoja, who is also the Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, made the call on Tuesday at his palace in Ibadan while receiving the Chairman, All Police Matters Committee and South-West representative in the Police Service Commission, DIG Tunde Lakanu (retd).
The monarch said the responsibilities of law enforcement agents remain vital to the stability and safety of society, stressing that citizens must not ignore opportunities to contribute to national security.
According to him, beyond apprehending and arresting offenders, the police are saddled with the crucial responsibility of maintaining law and order in the society.
Ladoja noted that although his primary traditional jurisdiction as Olubadan covers 11 local government areas within Ibadanland, he would reach out to members of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs to help publicise the recruitment exercise across other zones of the state.
He pledged that the Olubadan traditional institution would mobilise its entire structure to ensure that the message reaches communities at the grassroots level.
The monarch specifically assured that members of the Olubadan Advisory Council, line chiefs, Baales, Mogajis and Iyalodes would be engaged to encourage qualified youths to participate in the exercise.
Ladoja also highlighted the crucial role of the media in sensitising the public on initiatives that promote security and public service.
He said the involvement of print, electronic and social media platforms in disseminating information about the recruitment would further boost awareness and participation among eligible candidates.
Earlier in his remarks, Lakanu informed the monarch and members of the Olubadan Advisory Council that the Police Service Commission had commenced the recruitment of 50,000 police constables nationwide.
He urged all geo-political zones to participate actively in the exercise, expressing concern over the relatively low response recorded from the South-West region.
Lakanu therefore appealed to the Olubadan and other traditional rulers to assist in creating awareness about the recruitment exercise, particularly at the grassroots level where many qualified youths could benefit from the opportunity.
The retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police also briefed the royal fathers on ongoing discussions around the proposed introduction of state policing in Nigeria.
He expressed optimism that the eventual implementation of state police would strengthen security architecture across the country and deliver greater benefits to communities.
Among members of the Olubadan Advisory Council present at the meeting were the Otun Balogun, Oba Kola Adegbola; the Osi Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; the Asipa Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; and the Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Adebayo Akande.
Others in attendance included the Are Ago Balogun, Rear Admiral Adetokunbo Akintola (retd), and the Ajiroba of Ibadanland, Prof Soji Adejumo, alongside other palace officials and senior aides.