…seeks Supports In Strengthening Amotekun
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Aketi ,SAN, has called on indigenes of Owo in the diaspora to take advantage of the tremendous investment opportunities that abound in the state for sustained development and economic growth.
Governor Akeredolu noted that the sunshine state has become investment destination for both local and international investors in the last five years of his administration.
The Governor urged the Owo indigenes in diaspora not to allow the June 5th attack in the ancient town to drive fears into their heart, stressing that the perpetrators of the heinous act are against development and progress of Owo and Ondo State at large.
Arakunrin Akeredolu spoke on Saturday, July 2nd, 2022 at the National Convention of the World Council of Owo Associations (WOCOA) held in Atlanta, GA, United States of America.
Governor Akeredolu was represented by a delegation led by the Chief of Staff to Governor, Chief Olugbenga Ale and the commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Aminu Raimi.
The Governor assured of his administration’s commitment to the continuous provision of enabling environment for prospective investors, adding that more security measures are being put in place to make the state safer than before.
While pointing out the efforts of the state security network codenamed ‘Amotekun Corps’ in securing the state, Governor Akeredolu said the Amotekun Corps has contributed largely to the safety of lives and property in the state and across the Southwest region.
“We want to assure prospective investors of the enabling environment in Ondo State we our State yet remains of the most peaceful states in Nigeria. We should, however, not be discouraged by the occasional flashes of incidences of criminalities as this is not peculiar to Ondo State, just as it happens all over the world.
“Even the United State has had it own fair share of it, if we had allowed that to drive fear into us, we would not be here today. Towards sustaining investors’ confidence in our state and combating acts of criminalities. Ondo State in collaboration with other sister states in the Southwest established the Western Nigeria Security Network, Amotekun corps in each of the States of the Southwest geo-political zone.
“The Security Network has recruited over 2,000 Regular Officers including informants and volunteers and it has been equipped by the state Government with over 60 operational vehicles and 90 motorcycles for effective patrolling across the 18 Local Government Area of Ondo State.
“Towards strengthening their manpower, the corps is in the process of recruiting additional 350 officers and men to be deployed across the rural areas in our State to protect our farmers from kidnapping and other criminal tendencies.” He said.
Governor Akeredolu equally sought the supports of the Owo Indigenes in diaspora in strengthening the Amotekun Corps towards effective discharge of their duties and responsibilities.
“We solicit assistance in the provision of more operational vehicles, communication gadgets and drones for surveillance purposes and intelligence gathering.” The Governor said.
The Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Engr. Raimi assured that lands will be made available for any serious investor in any parts of the state.
He also highlighted the numerous infrastructural development projects that have been executed under the Governor Akeredolu administration, adding that the infrastructural strides are geared toward boosting the socio-economic development of the state.
The Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye, who joined the convention virtually spoke on the efforts at bringing development to the ancient town while commending Governor Akeredolu for his magic wands.
The WOCOA President, Idris Adeniseun, who lauded the efforts of the Governor so far, said the current insecurity uproar in Nigeria and particularly Ondo State, have galvanized members of the association to embark on raising fund to purchasing vehicles for the Owo town Amotekun security outfit.
