Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has declared the state ready for the establishment of its own police force, disclosing that more than 6,000 personnel of the Amotekun Corps and So-Safe Corps are available to form the manpower base of the proposed security outfit.
Abiodun said the state had already established a strong security structure that would facilitate the transition to state policing, expressing confidence that the initiative would further strengthen the protection of lives and property.
The governor made this known at the weekend during the 50th anniversary celebration of Ereke Day in Ikenne Local Government Area of the state.
He described the Ogun State House of Assembly’s approval of the creation of state police as a significant milestone towards improving security and addressing emerging threats at the grassroots.
Abiodun, who chairs the Nigeria Governors’ Forum Committee on State Police Creation and represents President Bola Tinubu in the committee, said the state was prepared to translate the initiative into an effective policing system.
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He maintained that security remained a critical requirement for economic growth and sustainable development, stressing the need for stronger collaboration between communities and security agencies.
The governor also warned that his administration would not allow criminal elements to turn any part of Ogun into a haven for kidnapping and other violent crimes.
In a related development, Abiodun commended the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, and the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Ridwan Disu, for their contributions to the rescue of 10 passengers abducted from a commercial vehicle around Orita Fufu, Awa-Ijebu, in Ijebu North-East Local Government Area.
He particularly praised the DSS director-general for providing intelligence and sophisticated security equipment that assisted in tracking the kidnappers and facilitating the rescue operation.
The governor also acknowledged the prompt intervention of the Inspector-General of Police, whose directives, he said, mobilised the Ogun State Police Command and other security operatives into action.
Abiodun assured residents that his administration would continue to intensify efforts to prevent criminal activities and ensure that communities across the state remained safe.
Meanwhile, the governor directed the immediate reconstruction of the Delabo-Ikenne Road, saying the project would improve accessibility, enhance connectivity and stimulate economic activities in the area.
Speaking on the 50th anniversary of Ereke Day, Abiodun described the milestone as a celebration of the unity, shared heritage and collective aspirations of the people of Ikenne.
He commended traditional rulers, the Ikenne Traditional Council of Chiefs and the Ikenne Community Development Association for their contributions to preserving the community’s cultural heritage and promoting development.
The governor said Ereke Day had grown beyond an annual cultural celebration into a platform for intellectual engagement, institutional development, infrastructure advancement and community mobilisation.
Abiodun also recalled Ikenne’s historical contributions to Ogun State and Nigeria, particularly its association with the late nationalist, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and renowned educationist, Dr Tai Solarin.
He said the legacies of the two prominent figures in education, democratic governance and national development remained an important part of the community’s identity.
The governor disclosed that his administration had constructed and rehabilitated more than 1,700 kilometres of roads across Ogun State, including over 40 roads in Remoland.
He said the projects were aimed at improving connectivity, opening up rural communities and stimulating economic activities.
Abiodun, however, urged youths in Ikenne to shun political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning against allowing politicians to use them as instruments of violence.
He urged young people to embrace political maturity and responsible participation, insisting that elections should be determined by ideas, credible leadership and performance rather than intimidation and violence.
Earlier, the chairman of the occasion, Kunle Soname, described Abiodun as a worthy son of Remoland and commended his administration for projects and interventions in Ikenne, including the donation of a 500KVA transformer and reconstruction of Awolowo Road.
Soname also assured the governor of the continued support of the people of Ikenne and Remoland for his administration.
