…warns youths against drug abuse, cybercrimes.
… advocates synergy among security agencies
Stakeholders in the security sector and Community leaders have advocated for intelligence gathering, continued dialogue and synergy as factors that would engender peaceful coexistence in the fight against insecurity that is ravaging communities, state and Nigeria.
The stakeholders, at a Security Summit, tagged: “Community Development Association, Panacea To Security and Peace In Our Communities.” organized by Ifedara Opeji Area Community Development Committee held on Saturday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, insisted on the need for continuous synergy with other security agencies to ensure peaceful and secured community for peace and development.
Speaking at the event, the State Director, Department of State Security (DSS), Ogun State Command, represented by Bolanle Salami maintained that relevant security stakeholders, community development association leaders, government must go extra mike in finding lasting solution to nib in the bud the menace of insecurity ravaging the nation.
The Director made this optimism known that the security summit would help proffer solution to security challenges.
On his part, the State Commander, Ogun State Community Social Orientation and Safety Corps, (So-Safe), Commander Soji Ganzallo, while speaking on the topic, “Identifying Potentials for Danger and Crime Locations In Our ACDC and Necessary Palliatives To Ensure Their Total Eradication, pointed out that no community can strive without adequate security.
Ganzallo, identified access to illicit drugs, peer influence, single parenting, unemployment, negligence as major factors contributing to the deteriorating security challenges in the Communities.
He pointed out that parents, guardians, community leaders, security agencies, government, religious and traditional leaders have huge responsibility on their shoulders for possible solution to the increasing insecurity challenge.
Delivering his address, the Honourable Federal Commissioner, Public Complaints Commission, Ogun State, Hon. Prince Gbayi Adesanya, advocated for more security gathering to solve security challenges for prosperous and stable society.
He maintained that ensuing peaceful and secured society cannot be overemphasized especially during this insurgency period the nation is facing.
In their separate contributions, the Ogun State Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Commandant Idowu David Ojelabi and Commandant of Narcotics, National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ogun State, CN Ibiba Jane Odili, on the sub-theme, “Stemming the tide of Armed Robbery, Burglar, Ritual Killings, Cultism, Smuggling and Drug Abuse in the Communities”.
The duo identified parental negligence as major factor aiding crimes in the society,
Youths were thereafter warned against consumption of illicit drugs especially cannabis sativa, stating that the agency would not relent in its war on drug abuse until the society is rid of from drugs.
It was pointed out that drug abuse among youths is an issue that cannot be ignored in today’s world because it is a growing concern.
It however expressed confidence that the robust campaign the agency has carried out with the involvement of traditional leaders, community leaders and religious bodies will further shape the future of young people to become useful members of the society.
While delivering his welcome address, the Chairman, Ifedara Opeji Area CDC, Asiwaju Dapo Wahab, explains that as a social entity, there’s need to bring stakeholders together to proffer a narrative that will be a total solution to nagging issues of insecurity in the state and Nigeria.
He said, “Let me once again welcome everyone to our Security Summit 2023! A lot of people have asked why it is important for us to have this event and at this period”.
“Our dear country Nigeria, and indeed every strata of our society have gone through so many travails from Covid-19, to Economic Melt Down, to the 2023 Elections and then the New Naira notes Regulation saga into this year, 2023”.
“We have in addition also survived all kinds of crime, due to the location of our Ifedara – Opeji ACDC, as it is geographically situated at the extreme end of Odeda and Abeokuta North Local Government Areas, as their townships end at the border or en-route to some other states”.
“Cases of: Insecurity, Kidnapping, Cultism, Drug Abuse, Burglary, Armed Robbery, Smuggling, Internet-fraud, Yahoo boys and Yahoo Plus all became too many as the perpetrators not only use our community as escape route after committing their crimes but also decided to come and settle amongst us so they can hide from the long arms of the law”.
“We realized, that if we can as stakeholders all meet to discuss how to resolve matters concerning; Light (electric power), Road, Drainage, Border disputes and so on, why then can’t all our CDAs and CDCs along with our Local Government Area Chairperson and Supervisory Committees come together with our;- Law makers, Law enforcers, Traditional rulers and Chiefs, Religious leaders, Educationists and indeed others to discuss, enlighten, deduce resolutions for all to agree on and resolve to collectively at all levels work with our law enforcement agencies to ensure we reduce crime to the barest minimum if not totally”.
“It is with those views; we came to the conclusion with the theme- COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION, PANACEA TO SECURITY & PEACE IN OUR COMMUNITIES”, he said.
In the same development, the Chairperson, Odeda Local Government, Mrs. Folasade Adeyemo, represented by Mrs. Adeniji said security tips should from time to time be made available to community residents as part of effort to find lasting solution to the spate of insecurities facing the country.
The Chairperson, however lauded the state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for his administration’s commitment to providing adequate security for the people of the state, regardless of their tribe, class or religion.
Dignitaries in attendance include: His Grace ,Elder Apostle Jacob Adetokunbo Adeaga: South west Chairman: organization of African instituted churches, Dr Ige Folayinka: the commandant general : National school crime prevention corps (NSCPC), Kabiyesi Oba Morufu Alani Adebayo: The Onitafin of Tafin and Mr Dele Ayodo, General manager of Roots 97.1Fm, Abeokuta.
Others are, Chief imam Adesina Arikoserere: Chief Imam of Bode Olude, CIS Yakubu: The Comptroller Nigeria Immigration Service, ASP Folashade Oluwole represented PPRO Nigeria Police Force, Ogun State Command, and CSP Asemola Ijiehin, Represented ACP Ayo Edun , Adatan Area Commander.
