Makinde Pledges Support For Security Agencies

Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to collaborate and provide all necessary support for security agencies in the state.

The governor gave the assurance when he received the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office at Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

Makinde, who donated two patrol vehicles to the command, commended the NSCDC for being a pillar of support to the security architecture of Oyo State.

He stated that the corps had been complementing the government’s efforts in making the state one of the safest in the country despite the security challenges experienced across the nation.

The governor equally acknowledged the important role the NSCDC has been playing in protecting the country’s oil assets, which according to him, are the most critical national economic assets of Nigeria.

Makinde said, “I want to specially welcome you, the Commandant-General of the Civil Defence Corps and your team to Oyo State.

“Let me also specially recognise the Oyo State Commandant of the Civil Defence, who is also a member of the Oyo State Security Council and I want to say it publicly that he is a valuable member of the council.

“We appreciate his contributions. When there is any issue, he and his team have never been found wanting.

“The Civil Defence Corps in Oyo State is part of Operation Burst and they are actually doing very well. That is why Oyo State is one of the safest states in Nigeria.

“I know this is a challenging period for our security commanders. It is a tough period, because we have security challenges all over the country.

“About four weeks back, we were told about another terror group, Lakurawa, that just emerged in the North-West. About three days ago, I was also reading about the sabotage of the Chevron pipeline around Warri South and we all know that oil is the lifeline for the nation’s economy.

“At the political leadership level, for us, we will have to keep asking you to do more, even with fewer resources. So, thank you for the work you are doing to keep this country safe, especially this state.

“I can only say that we have to keep pushing and wherever we can collaborate and cooperate, I will like to give the commitment of the Oyo State Government.”

Earlier, the NSCDC commandant-general, Dr Audi, thanked the governor for the cordial relationship that exists between the Oyo State government and the command as well as for his support towards the corps.

He equally lauded the governor for his developmental strides and innovative reforms in the state, pledging that the Corps would continue to offer its support and ensure the maintenance of peace and security of lives and property of the residents of the state.