Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has assured residents that his administration will make further efforts to strengthen the security architecture of the state.
He assured that steps would be taken so as to ensure that every space of the state is secure, just as he commended security agencies for making Oyo State peaceful and secured.
Makinde stated this at the grand finale and laying of wreaths of the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, held at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan, on Thursday.
He expressed appreciation to the officers and men of the Armed Forces for securing the state, urging them not to relent in their efforts.
He also commended the efforts of security operatives in sustaining the relative peace and harmony in the state and across the nation.
The governor assured residents that his administration’s commitment to securing lives would receive further boosts so as to ensure the security of lives and properties.
Makinde also hinted that plans were afoot to set up a welfare scheme for the families of the five forest guards killed recently at the Oloka Village axis of the old Oyo National Park in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
He equally assured that his administration would continue to remember and support maimed soldiers, widows, orphans and other dependants of the fallen heroes, as they paid the ultimate price to keep the country safe and secure.
Governor Makinde said: “I can only say thank you to the officers and men of the Nigeria Armed Forces.
“This is a challenging time for us as a nation. We are still dealing with all sorts of security challenges and they have been trying their best.
“We have asked them to do a lot more with very little resources and they have been doing their bit. I want to urge them not to relent.
“I want to say that for us, as a government, we will continue to give the necessary support to ensure that it is not a hardship posting for them.
“For Oyo State, a few days back, we had an incident at the Old Oyo National Park where some forest guards were killed. We commiserate with their families and we will do our best to ensure that they are looked after.
“It is not time to play the blame game. We won’t leave any stone unturned until we keep every inch of space and land in Oyo State safe and secure.”
Also speaking, Interim Chairman, Nigerian Legion, Oyo State Command, Chief Julius Alabi, lauded the federal and the state governments for the improvement of Legion members’ welfare and for other support.
Among those who witnessed the event were the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, represented by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Mohammed Fadeyi; Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
Others who laid the wreaths were the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division Nigerian Army, Major General C.R Nnebeife; Interim Chairman, Nigeria Legion, Oyo State Command, Chief Alabi; Commander, 2 Division Garrison, Nigerian Army, Brigadier-General A.S Bugaje;
Commander 655, Nigerian Air Force Station, Ibadan, Air Commodore D.U. Njoku; the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Police Command, Mr Femi Haruna and a representative of the widows of the fallen heroes, Mrs Taibatu Bello.
The occasion also witnessed the 21-gun salute in honour of the fallen heroes, special prayers for the repose of their souls, the release of ceremonial pigeons and inspection of the parade guards by the governor.
