Residents and travelers in Oyo and Ogun states can expect robust security measures during the upcoming holiday season, thanks to the Joint Security Commission’s latest initiatives. The commission, comprised of key security stakeholders from both states, convened on Thursday at Dominion University in Ibadan to discuss strategies for ensuring the safety of citizens and motorists, particularly along border areas and major highways.
The meeting, which was attended by the Special Adviser on Security to the Oyo State Governor, CP Fatai Owoseni (rtd), and his Ogun State counterpart, AIG Olusola Subair (rtd), highlighted the importance of coordinating efforts to address security concerns as families reunite for the festive period. In a statement, Owoseni and Subair noted the necessity of reassessing security activities and enhancing strategies to create a safe environment for residents and visitors alike.
"We have come together again preparatory to the yuletide period," said Owoseni. "We appraised the ongoing efforts of security operatives in both states and can attest to significant progress in curbing criminal activities along our shared highways."
The committee commended the support of Governors ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Prince Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State for equipping security agencies with the necessary resources to combat crime effectively. Their collaborative approach has reportedly led to a decline in incidents along major routes such as the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
In light of this assessment, the commission emphasized the need for public vigilance, reminding residents that security is a shared responsibility. "We must all be security conscious," said Subair. "We have implemented strategies to instill confidence in the motoring public and ensure that they can enjoy their Christmas and New Year celebrations without fear."
The commission is also working closely with the DAWN Commission, an umbrella organization for security initiatives across the Southwest region, to enhance safety measures further. Owoseni and Subair assured the public that ongoing collaboration among security heads from all six Southwest states would continue to reinforce the safety and peace of the region.
"We want to reassure the motoring public that with the resources provided by our governors, we will intensify our efforts to ensure their safety," they stated. "We encourage everyone to utilize the toll-free number 615 for reporting any suspicious activities, as we have established communication integration between the two states to enhance our response capabilities."
Bishop Taiwo Adelakun, Chancellor of Dominion University, praised the cooperative efforts of the Oyo and Ogun state governors, crediting their joint security architecture with reducing banditry and other social vices along key routes. He underscored the importance of regional collaboration, stating that working together is crucial for effectively combating crime.