By Adedotun Ajayi

Ondo state Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has pledged government’s commitment to collaborate with the State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service to curb the activities of illegal immigrants within the state.

Aiyedatiwa gave the assurance during a visit by officials from the Immigration Service, Akure branch, on Tuesday, in his office at Alagbaka Akure.

He emphasized the importance of joint efforts in addressing the issue of illegal immigration and trafficking.

Those in attendance include; the Ondo State Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, Head of Service Mr Bayo Philip, Commissioner for Finance, Omowumi Isaac, Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Dr Olukayode Ajulo, SA on Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omole, SSA on Broadcast Communications, Dapo Aruwajoye among others.

The governor commended the Immigration Service for their ongoing efforts in identifying and apprehending illegal immigrants, highlighting the crucial role they play in maintaining security and order within the state.

He posited the need for accurate data collection and collaboration between the government and the Immigration Service to effectively combat the problem of illegal immigration.

“We appreciate your diligent efforts in identifying and apprehending illegal immigrants residing within our local governments. I am confident that your organisation maintains thorough records of these individuals.

“As a government, we seek access to this data so that the Attorney General’s office can investigate further. Having access to these records will enable us to devise effective strategies for addressing this pressing issue.” He added.

Expressing his support for the Immigration Service’s initiatives, Aiyedatiwa reiterated government’s willingness to provide necessary assistance and resources to aid in their operations.

He acknowledged the significance of rehabilitating structures at the Immigration Service office and assured officials that their requests would be reviewed and addressed accordingly.

He encouraged the Immigration Service to formalize their requests by submitting a written memo for consideration.

“In addressing your concerns, it would recalled that the land your new complex is built upon was graciously donated by the state government as part of our ongoing support, this is just to remind you that the state government has always been supportive to the command when it comes to infrastructure, concerning other demands you have, i urge you to formalize your specific requests by submitting a written memo, to ensure proper documentation for review and action”

In addition to addressing infrastructure concerns, Aiyedatiwa recognized the urgent need for operational vehicles within security outfits and assured officials that the government is actively working to procure vehicles to support all security agencies in the state.

“Furthermore, the need for operational vehicles is a common requirement among security outfits. We are actively pursuing arrangements to procure such vehicles to bolster support for all security agencies in the state. Rest assured, we are fully committed to providing assistance to the best of our ability.” He said.

Earlier in her address, Comptroller Immigration service, Akure branch, Grace Olaitan Adeoye, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to connect with Governor Aiyedatiwa and his administration.

She highlighted the vital role of the Immigration Service in Ondo State and acknowledged the support received thus far.

Adeoye also presented requests for the rehabilitation of certain structures at their office and emphasized the service’s involvement in combating human trafficking and illegal immigration.

The governor was honored with an award of excellence by Comptroller Grace Olaitan Adeoye, who commended the governor’s leadership style since assuming office, stating that the entire service was impressed by it.