Abiodun urges new Commissioner to prioritise safety during festive season
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has called on security agencies to devise and implement effective strategies to ensure the protection of lives and property throughout the Christmas season.
The governor made the call during a courtesy visit by the new Commissioner of Police for Ogun State, Mr. Lanre Ogunlowo, at the Governor’s office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. Abiodun commended the efforts of security agencies in maintaining peace in the state, but noted that the festive period often attracts unscrupulous individuals who may exploit the season to cause security breaches.
“As we approach the yuletide period, we know it brings its own challenges. Those who are bent on engaging in criminal activities will become more desperate, so I urge you to develop strategies that will ensure a peaceful festive season for everyone,” the governor said.
He also encouraged Ogunlowo to work in collaboration with his colleagues and to continue the partnership with the security agencies, which has helped maintain the peace in Ogun State. Abiodun highlighted the importance of a secure environment for socio-economic development, saying, “You cannot have socio-economic development in an atmosphere of insecurity. No matter how many roads, airports, or seaports you build, if there is a perception of insecurity, people will not come to that state.”
The governor also addressed the issue of cultism in some parts of the state, urging the new police commissioner to work closely with other agencies to find lasting solutions to the problem. He commended the Inspector General of Police (IGP) for deploying a highly skilled officer to Ogun State and providing two Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) to aid security efforts.
“I want to thank the Inspector General of Police for deploying you to Ogun State. Ogun State is known for exporting talented individuals like you, and we have no doubt that you will live up to expectations,” Abiodun remarked.
In his response, Commissioner Ogunlowo assured the governor that he would work to build on the successes of his predecessor, noting that he had already developed strategies to combat the growing problem of cultism in the state. He said, “I have a good team on the ground, and I will improve on what I met. We have strategies in place, especially to tackle cultism, and we will engage all stakeholders to ensure the safety of the people.”
Ogunlowo, who has previously worked in the tactical intelligence unit of the Nigeria Police Force, expressed confidence that with the support of the state government, security agencies, and the deployment of the new APCs, he would secure the trust of the people and ensure a peaceful and secure festive period in Ogun State.
