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We’re taking more visible actions to secure Oyo, says Makinde

Published

5 years ago

June 21, 2021

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, said on Monday, at the inauguration of the Board of the Oyo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, that the people of the state will see more visible actions being taken by the government to secure the state.

He maintained that his government will continue to take the issue of security of lives and property, and people being able to go about their lawful endeavours, seriously.

Governor Makinde stated that contrary to the negative pictures being painted by those hell-bent on politicising the insecurity situation, a lot more people and businesses have been coming to the state as a result of the policies of the administration.

He called on residents not to panic but join hands to secure the state.
“We know that because of the policies of this administration, a lot of people are coming into Oyo State, and when you have more and more people coming in, it will come with its own set of challenges and with opportunities as well.

“In the days ahead, we will also let the people of Oyo State know the things we are doing as far as security is concerned. And when they see security operatives all around, they must give them total support.
“Yes, I can go to Igangan and take responsibility for some of these activities but security is our collective responsibility. It is not just for the government or governor alone. So, everybody needs to come on board and play their own part,” he said.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor made this call in furtherance of the administration’s commitment to expanding the security architecture of the state and the fulfilment of the law setting up the agency.

Governor Makinde, at the event held inside the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, indicated that the 12-member Board has as its chairman, Brig-General Ajibola Kunle Togun (rtd) and Mrs. Akinbode Iyabode Enitan as secretary.

Some of the members of the Board include the Amotekun Commandant, Col. Bisiriyu Olayinka Olayanju (rtd), the Commissioner of Police; State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Defence Corps; representative of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in the state; and the Executive Secretary, Oyo State Security Trust Fund and Special Adviser on Security, COMPOL Fatai Owoseni (rtd).

Others are Commodore Rasaki Ajani Babalola, representing Oyo South Senatorial District; Mr.Ogunlowo Samson, representing Oyo North Senatorial District; Mrs. Hamzat Khadijat Ronke, representing Oyo Central Senatorial District; the Onpetu of Ijeru, Oba Sunday Oladapo Oyediran, representing the traditional Institution and the Executive Assistant (Security), CP Sunday Odukoya (rtd).

The governor maintained that the inauguration of the board will pave the way for more inter-agency relationships with similar security networks in the neighbouring states, urging the heads of security agencies in the state to provide necessary support and cooperation.

He said: “Since the passing out of the 1,500 members of Amotekun Corps in November last year, they have been operating under the leadership of General Togun and the Commandant, Colonel Olayanju.

“As we continue to expand our security architecture and improve our system, and also in fulfillment of the law setting up the Amotekun Corps, we have to inaugurate the Board, and that is exactly what we are doing here today.

“The law establishing the Oyo State Security and Network Agency codenamed Amotekun Corps to assist in maintaining law and order in the state and for other matters connected therewith, stipulates the establishment of the Governing board in section 7.

“The three representatives which were mentioned, we want a representative from each of the senatorial districts in Oyo State. Also, we have to get the buy-in of our traditional institution. So, Kabiyesi Onpetu of Ijeru, Oba Sunday Oladapo Oyediran is on the board.

“We believe that with the inauguration of this board today, we will see even more visible action in securing Oyo State, especially in the area of fostering relationships between Amotekun of Oyo State and similar security network agencies in our neighboring states:Ondo, Osun, Ogun and Ekiti States.

“We also expect more inter-agency cooperation within the state. Remember that one of the reasons we started the Amotekun Corps is to bring security operatives closer to the people. We were asking for state police and we could not get that because it involves amending the constitution of the country and it is a big task. But while we were waiting for that, we believed that we had to move on.”

Governor Makinde added that the Amotekun corps, though faced with different challenges, have been filling a major void in the security architecture in the state, saying: “On many occasions, I have watched videos. The Amotekun Corps are faced with superior fire-power. They are not licensed to carry weapons like AK47 but we see bandits carrying such weapons. But despite the visible challenges that they are faced with, they have been able to fill the gap of local policing successfully. It has been difficult but they have been doing it.

“So, if things are as they are now, we wonder how things might have been without the Amotekun Corps,” he added.

He enjoined heads of other security agencies to provide needed support that are needed for the Amotekun.

Appealing to individuals trying to discredit Amotekun and politicise the insecurity situation to desist from such a path, Governor Makinde said it will not bode well for anyone to destroy the state in the name of politics or seeking political power.

He called on all residents to join hands with the state government to surmount the security challenges, which, according to him, is not peculiar to Oyo State.

He said :“I have been listening and watching people try to politicise the issue of security. Well, I want to appeal to such individuals within the state; it is our state and it is only God that puts people in position. If you want to destroy your state before everybody to gain political power, I wonder what kind of state such an individual or group of people will want to preside over.

“We have seen cases where they doctored videos to discredit Amotekun. We have seen cases where people go out and lie outright. Now, everybody has been on the street as an advisor on security. They have all sorts of advice they gave to me and I asked them where they practiced their own security. They have not gone beyond their streets, maybe they organized neighborhood watch and they think that it is the qualification on how to advise us on the issue of security.

“Well, some of these people are saying insecurity is the major challenge in Oyo State. Yes, the country is going through quite a bit but I challenge them to a debate. I am ready. Let them come and tell us what they will be doing differently. They have nothing to offer the people of Oyo State apart from wanting to ride on the perception of insecurity to gain prominence.

“They should wait and let us build Oyo State together. If it is God’s will for them to be in power in 2023, God will do it for them easily. But we must not destroy our state. We must not politicise insecurity. Yes, some people did it at the national level and gained power in 2015 but Nigerians are wiser,” he added.

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Oseni celebrates Oyo APC Publicist, Sadare, extols loyalty, commitment to progressive cause

Published

1 day ago

August 2, 2026

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has congratulated the Oyo State Publicity Secretary of the party, Alhaji Wasiu Olawale Sadare, on the occasion of his birthday, describing him as a loyal progressive, effective communicator and committed party stalwart whose contributions have continued to strengthen the party in the state.

Oseni, in a statement issued on Sunday by his Media Aide, Idowu Ayodele, said Sadare has remained a consistent and dependable voice of the party, discharging his responsibilities with professionalism, integrity and an unwavering commitment to the ideals of the All Progressives Congress.

He noted that the Oyo APC spokesman has distinguished himself through responsible public communication, constructive engagement and an enduring commitment to promoting the party’s vision, values and programmes.

According to the chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Sadare’s humility, calm disposition and ability to articulate the party’s position with clarity have earned him the respect of party leaders, members and stakeholders, while also contributing to the unity and stability of the APC in Oyo State.

“Alhaji Wasiu Olawale Sadare is a committed progressive whose loyalty and dedication to our great party have remained steadfast over the years. He has served with uncommon diligence and has continued to project the ideals of the APC with dignity, courage and sincerity,” Oseni said.

The lawmaker added that the publicist’s birthday presents another opportunity to celebrate a man whose service has gone beyond official responsibility, noting that his contributions to strengthening internal cohesion and fostering constructive engagement within the party deserve commendation.

“As you mark another year today, I join your family, friends, political associates and the entire progressive family in celebrating God’s faithfulness in your life. Your commitment to duty, humility and sense of responsibility continue to inspire many within our party.”
Oseni prayed for greater accomplishments for the celebrant, asking Almighty Allah to bless him with good health, wisdom and renewed strength to continue serving the party and humanity.

“I pray that Almighty Allah grants you many more years in sound health, abundant grace and greater accomplishments. May He continue to guide your steps, enlarge your coast and reward your selfless service to our great party, Oyo State and our nation. Happy birthday, and many happy returns.”
The statement added that Oseni wished Sadare a memorable celebration and expressed confidence that his wealth of experience, dedication and leadership would continue to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the APC and the advancement of progressive politics in Oyo State.

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Oyo lawmaker, Oseni empowers Agbeni traders with ₦50m grant, rallies support for Tinubu

Published

3 days ago

August 1, 2026

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Oyo South, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, on Friday strengthened his grassroots engagement with traders by presenting a ₦50 million business grant to members of the Agbeni Amunigun Traders Association in Ibadan.

The empowerment package is expected to benefit traders across the market, which cuts across Ibadan North-West and Ibadan South-West Local Government Areas of Oyo State.

Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, also donated ₦5 million towards the completion of the association’s secretariat. He further pledged to install solar-powered streetlights within the market to improve security and make the business environment more conducive.

Speaking during an interactive meeting with the association’s leaders, executives and representatives of its 15 zones, the lawmaker described traders as key drivers of the local economy, saying they deserved continuous support to grow their businesses and improve their standard of living.

He also appealed to the traders to sustain their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing confidence that the economic reforms introduced by the administration would deliver lasting benefits for the country.

“The decisions taken by President Tinubu were difficult, but they were necessary. Today, fuel queues are gone, states and local governments receive higher allocations, and more resources are available for infrastructure, education, healthcare and other development projects, including the regular payment of salaries,” he said.

Oseni highlighted ongoing road rehabilitation projects, interventions in the health sector, agricultural support initiatives and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as some of the programmes making a difference under the current administration.

He noted that the student loan scheme had opened up access to higher education for many young Nigerians, while other economic reforms were laying a solid foundation for sustainable growth.

Looking ahead, Oseni promised that if elected to represent Oyo South in the Senate in 2027, he would facilitate an interest-free revolving loan scheme for traders. He said the programme would be jointly managed by the market leadership and a reputable microfinance bank to ensure genuine traders had access to affordable credit.

“I will continue to support policies and programmes that help small and medium-scale businesses thrive because traders remain the engine of our economy. My goal is to create opportunities that will help your businesses expand and improve the welfare of your families,” he said, assuring the association that the requests presented to him would receive prompt attention.

Earlier, the Babaloja of the market, Alhaji Abdul-Latifu Abdulganiyu; the Baale, Alhaji Muniru Oladayo; the General Chairman of the market, Alhaji Nureni Lawal; the Iyaloja’s representative, Alhaja Basirat Owolanwa; and the youth representative, Alhaji Adeyinka Basiru, praised Oseni for his consistent support for traders and other community-based empowerment programmes.

The market leaders unanimously endorsed his senatorial ambition and pledged to mobilise support for his 2027 bid, saying his record of empowerment, constituency projects and community development had earned him the confidence of the people.

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‎Oseni mourns C&S Movement Church Spiritual Head Alogbo, hails legacy of faith, service

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4 days ago

July 30, 2026

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The lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the national Assembly and All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Oyo South, Hon. Aderemi Abass Oseni, has mourned the death of the Spiritual Father and Spiritual Head of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide (Ayo Ni O), His Most Eminence, Prophet Emmanuel Alogbo, describing his passing as a great loss to Christendom and Nigeria.

‎Prophet Alogbo died at the age of 93 after decades of devoted service to God, the church and humanity, leaving behind a legacy of faith, humility and exemplary spiritual leadership.

‎Contained in a condolence message issued on Thursday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) sympathised with the leadership and members of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide, Ayo Ni O, as well as the family of the late cleric, praying that God would comfort them in this difficult period.

The federal lawmaker described the late prophet as a revered servant of God whose ministry was marked by integrity, compassion and an unwavering commitment to the advancement of the Christian faith.

‎He noted that Prophet Alogbo dedicated his life to preaching the Gospel, promoting peace and mentoring generations of believers, saying his impact would continue to resonate far beyond the walls of the church.

‎Oseni said, “The passing of His Most Eminence, Prophet Emmanuel Alogbo, is a profound loss to the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide, the Christian community and our nation. He lived an exemplary life of faith, humility, sacrifice and selfless service to God and humanity.

‎”Although we mourn his departure, we also celebrate a life that was wholly dedicated to God’s service. His teachings, exemplary character and unwavering devotion to humanity will continue to inspire generations to come,” Oseni said.

‎He urged members of the church and Christians across the country to honour the late spiritual leader by upholding the virtues of love, peace, righteousness and selfless service, which he consistently preached throughout his lifetime.

Oseni prayed that God would grant the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide, Ayo Ni O, the Alogbo family and the entire Christian community the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, while asking God to fill the vacuum his demise has left behind within the church.