Members of Isale Osi Community in Ibadan South West Local Government area of Oyo State have been urged to cooperate with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), and other security agencies in the state in order to enable them combat and reduce crimes and criminal activities in the area to the bearest minimum.
The urge was given by the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Mr Augustine Padonu at the commissioning of Isale Osi Outpost, Ibadan West Division on Tuesday.
Speaking at the occasion, Padonu who was ably represented by his Deputy, DCC Femi Ete said the establishment of the outpost is a strategic move aimed at enhancing the security architecture of Isale Osi and its environs.
According to him, the commissioning of the outpost is a direct response to the security challenges facing members of the community, hence, a demonstration of the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of lives and property within the community.
He said the establishment of the outpost will enable the NSCDC to have a more visible presence in the community, respond swiftly to distress calls, and proactively address security concerns.
“It is with great honor and immense joy that I stand before you to represent the State Commandant, Commandant Augustine Padonu, at this auspicious occasion marking the commissioning of the Isale Osi outpost under the Ibadan West Division of the NSCDC.
“As you may be aware, this area must have witnessed a rise in security challenges in recent times, ranging from petty crimes to more serious offenses.
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“The NSCDC, as a foremost security agency in Nigeria, has the mandate to protect lives and property, maintain law and order, and prevent and detect crimes. We are committed to carrying out this mandate with utmost professionalism, dedication, and integrity.
“I want to assure the Isale Osi community that the NSCDC personnel deployed to this outpost are well-trained, experienced, and equipped to handle any security situation that may arise. They will work closely with other security agencies, community leaders, and stakeholders to ensure a safe and secure environment for all residents.
“However, it is important to note that security is a collective responsibility. We cannot achieve our goals without the cooperation and support of the community. I urge all residents of Isale Osi to embrace this outpost as their own and to work hand in glove with our personnel to maintain peace and order. You can do this by providing timely information, reporting suspicious activities, and adhering to the laws of the land.
“In addition to providing security services, the NSCDC is also committed to promoting peace and unity within our communities. We will organize regular sensitization programmes, workshops, and other community engagement activities aimed at fostering understanding, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence among all residents.
“I want to express our sincere gratitude to the Isale Osi community for their unwavering support during the construction of this outpost. Your cooperation and enthusiasm have been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition. We are confident that this outpost will serve as a symbol of our partnership and commitment to working together for the betterment of our community.
“As we commission this outpost today, I call on all stakeholders to join hands with the NSCDC in ensuring its success. Let us work together to make Isale Osi a safe haven for all who live and work here, he added.
In his address at the programme, the donor of the outpost, Prince (Chief) Abila ABIMBOLA Apampa, Mogaji Osundina in Isale Osi community said the project was conceived five months ago with a view of addressing security issues of the area
According to him, what informed his decision to donate the outpost to NSCDC was the need to support and compliment efforts of the government on security issues.
“The need to compliment efforts of government prompted me to donate the outpost to the command in order to enable them effectively discharge their duty and also curb and clamp down on security problems in the community.”
Prince Apampa who noted that the area is a flash point in crimes issues in the state capital, expressed hope the outpost would help address the issue of insecurity in the community.
Prince Apampa who pointed out that security is one of the primary assignments of government said the people can only live peacefully and productively when there is adequate security in the area.
Mogaji Apampa who lauded the state government in its security agenda for the called on government to further intensify efforts on provision of adequate security for the community and the state in general, just as he urged the command to make good use of the outpost for the progress of the area and in the course of their profession.
Speaking, the Area Commander, Victoria Alao while thanking the donor, Prince (Mogaji) Apampa, congratulated the command for the development, describing the event as remarkable.
She said the development was in line with corps mandate to provide maximum security for the people.
She urged members of the community to cooperate with the command and ensure that they help them with credible information that will assist the command to effectively discharge their duty, adding that the issue of security is a collective responsibility of both government and members of the community.
Members of other security agencies in attendance, the Police, DSS, Amotekun lauded the initiative of the command and urged the people to cooperate with security agencies to discharge their duty properly
The Divisional Officer, Superintendent of Corps, in the area, Sakirat Adekojo said the donation followed the request of the command to enable the NSCDC serve the people well and achieve the mandate of the Corps in the community.
The youth leader, Odo Ona Community, Sulaiman Ogunbayode commended efforts of the command in establishing their presence in the area, adding that the development will go a long way in addressing security challenges in Isale Osi and its environs.
Community leaders in attendance lauded efforts of Mogaji Apampa in establishing presence of the NSCDC in the community by donating the outpost.
They appealed to parents and guardians in the area to ensure they prevail on their wards and children from crimes and criminal activities.
