Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State says the state is ready for the establishment of its own police force.
Abiodun disclosed that more than 6,000 personnel of the Ogun State Security Network, known as Amotekun, and the So-Safe Corps are available to provide the manpower for the proposed outfit.
He said his administration had laid a solid foundation for state policing through the establishment of community-based security structures.
According to him, the existing personnel and operational experience of the two outfits will facilitate the transition.
The governor spoke at the 50th anniversary celebration of Ereke Day in Ikenne, Ikenne Local Government Area of the state at the weekend.
He described the Ogun State House of Assembly’s approval of the establishment of state police as a significant step towards strengthening security and protecting lives and property.
Abiodun, who chairs the Nigeria Governors’ Forum Committee on State Police Creation and represents President Bola Tinubu on the committee, expressed confidence in the state’s readiness to implement the initiative.
“I am the Chairman of the Governors’ Forum on State Police Creation and the representative of the President in the Governors’ Forum on State Police Creation.
“I am proud to announce that the Ogun State House of Assembly has approved the creation of state police.
“Between Amotekun and So-Safe Corps, we have over 6,000 personnel. We are ready for the Ogun State Police Command, and that will make the difference in protecting the lives and property of our people,” he said.
The governor stressed that security was essential to economic prosperity, investment and sustainable development, adding that meaningful progress could only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace and stability.
He called for sustained collaboration between communities and security agencies to ensure the safety of residents, businesses and investors across the state.
Speaking on the golden jubilee of Ereke Day, the governor described the 50-year celebration as a significant milestone reflecting the unity, common heritage and shared aspirations of the people of Ikenne.
He commended traditional rulers and the Ikenne Traditional Council of Chiefs for their leadership and commitment to preserving the community’s cultural identity while promoting development.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr Kunle Soname, described Abiodun as a worthy son of Remoland and commended his administration’s contributions to Ikenne’s development.
Soname specifically acknowledged the governor’s donation of a 500KVA transformer and the reconstruction of Awolowo Road, alongside other developmental interventions.
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