By Bukola Olamona
The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ondo State, Oluyemi Ibiloye, has attributed the peaceful conduct of the recent local government election in the state to the collaborative efforts of security agencies.
Ibiloye stated this when the newly elected chairman of Akure South Local Government, Dr. Gbenga Fasua, led the state chapter of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) on a courtesy visit to the NSCDC headquarters in Akure.
The newly elected chairmen of the 18 local government councils visited the command to express their appreciation to the officers and men of the NSCDC for their professionalism and commitment before, during, and after the elections.
Commending the synergy among security agencies, Ibiloye emphasised that their collective efforts ensured the maintenance of peace across the state throughout the electoral process.
“Ondo is regarded as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria, and we must continue to put measures in place to sustain and improve this status,” he said.
The Commandant further urged the new council chairmen to be proactive in ensuring security within their respective areas, stressing the significance of intelligence gathering and collaboration with security agencies.
“Security personnel are humans; the difference lies in training and equipment. We need timely information from all quarters to enhance our operations. The security agencies have had meaningful engagements with Mr. Governor, and some of our strategic recommendations will be implemented soon. However, local government chairmen must also play active roles in addressing security concerns in their domains,” Ibiloye stated.
Speaking on behalf of the local government chairmen, the ALGON coordinator and chairman of Akure South Local Government, Fasua, said the visit was aimed at strengthening ties with the NSCDC and acknowledged its role in ensuring a peaceful electoral process.
“We were inaugurated a few weeks ago, and we deemed it necessary to familiarise ourselves with the NSCDC. We appreciate and commend your institution for its role in ensuring the safety of lives and property during the elections,” Fasua said.
Among the council chairmen present at the meeting were C.K. Ojo (Ose ), Oripenaye Maurice (Ilaje), Molos C.E. (Ese Odo ), Smart Adeuyi (Idanre ),Ayotunde Akinfolarin (Ondo West ), and Mohammed Olawale (Akoko North East)