By Tola Gbadamosi
The Corps Commander of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, has called for greater involvement of women in strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and tackling the root causes of criminality.
Adeleye made the call while receiving a special award at the recently concluded WINSEC Award Programme in Abuja, where he commended the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, the WINSEC screening committee and the organisers for recognising the contributions of stakeholders to security and community development.
He stressed that women had a critical role to play in addressing the nation’s security challenges, particularly through proper parenting and the promotion of strong family values.
According to him, the breakdown of family values and inadequate parental supervision had contributed significantly to the social problems confronting the country.
Adeleye noted that while many fathers were often away from home in pursuit of their livelihoods, mothers frequently bore a greater responsibility for raising children and shaping their values.
He therefore urged women to pay closer attention to the upbringing and welfare of their children to prevent them from becoming involved in criminal activities.
“It is a very important time for women to come together and support the nation’s security architecture by ensuring that children are properly nurtured. Mothers should pay close attention to the welfare and upbringing of their children so that society is not breeding future criminals,” he said.
The Amotekun commander described the award as a motivation for him and the entire corps to intensify their efforts towards crime prevention, community protection and the maintenance of peace across Ondo State.
He also reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to gender inclusion, noting that women serving in the Amotekun Corps had continued to demonstrate courage, professionalism and dedication in the discharge of their duties.
Adeleye said female personnel had made significant contributions to maintaining peace and security across the state, assuring that the agency would continue to provide opportunities for women to participate actively in security operations.
Reflecting on the award, Adeleye expressed appreciation to the organisers, describing the recognition as an honour for both himself and the Ondo State Security Network Agency.
He said the honour was a recognition of the achievements of Amotekun Corps since its establishment, particularly in intelligence-driven operations, the rescue of kidnapped victims, arrest of criminal elements and collaboration with other security agencies to protect lives and property.
He said, “I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive this prestigious special WINSEC Award. I sincerely appreciate the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), the WINSEC screening committee and the organisers of this noble occasion for recognising my modest contribution to the advancement of security and community protection.”
Adeleye added that he was privileged to lead what he described as a courageous team whose dedication had helped restore hope and confidence in communities across the state.
He also expressed appreciation to the Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for his continued support to the corps, saying the backing had enabled the agency to effectively discharge its responsibilities.
The commander dedicated the award to the “gallant men and women” of the Amotekun Corps and other security stakeholders who, according to him, continue to make sacrifices for the safety and security of Nigerians.
The Amotekun commander urged the Federal Government to adopt the Ondo Amotekun model as a blueprint for the proposed state policing system, noting that it would strengthen efforts to tackle the growing security challenges confronting the nation.
He added that the award recognition would further inspire him to remain committed to the pursuit of a safer, peaceful and prosperous society.