Aiyedatiwa Commissions Amotekun Command Centre, Reaffirms Security as Collective Duty

Ondo State moved a step forward in its security drive on Monday as Governor Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa reiterated that safeguarding the state is a shared responsibility. He noted that security awareness is not a one-off action but a continuous journey that requires citizens to work with government to stop threats before they grow. The governor restated that protecting lives and property remains a central pillar of his administration under the “OUR EASE” policy direction.

Aiyedatiwa gave the assurance at the headquarters of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, known as the Amotekun Corps, in Alagbaka, Akure, where he commissioned the newly completed Command and Control Centre and the Training Auditorium. The ceremony also marked the maiden Annual General Meeting of the Amotekun Corps.

The governor described the new facilities as vital to improving operational efficiency, intelligence coordination and tactical readiness. He commended the leadership of the Corps under Commander Akogun Adetunji Adeleye for the commitment and sacrifice invested in building the Command and Control Centre and promised continued state support.

He acknowledged the strong partnership among security agencies in Ondo State and said the synergy has helped maintain the state as one of the most peaceful in Nigeria. Speaking on the significance of the Training Auditorium, he stressed that modern security demands physical strength as well as knowledge, discipline and structured environments for tactical and theoretical improvement. He added that the swift release of funds for the project shows the administration’s focus on the welfare and professional development of Amotekun personnel.

Aiyedatiwa also inaugurated the maiden Annual General Meeting of the Amotekun Corps Cooperative Organisation which began in 2021 with 37 members and a ₦2 million capital base but has since grown to nearly 280 members with more than ₦40 million in savings. He attributed the remarkable growth to discipline and prudent financial management and encouraged officers to remain active members.

The governor paid tribute to late former governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN CON, describing him as a visionary whose bold leadership led to the creation of the Amotekun Corps in partnership with his South West colleagues. Aiyedatiwa announced the approval for the recruitment of 500 additional personnel and pledged continued investment in logistics, welfare, training and tools required for effective operations. He praised the dedication of Commander Adeleye and said no amount of blackmail would force his removal.

Commander Adeleye, in his welcome remarks, reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to securing the state. He noted that Amotekun’s progress since 2020 shows that community-focused security structures backed by political will can confront evolving threats. He described the late Akeredolu as the architect of the security revival in the South West and credited the Corps’ achievements to its foundation in operational strength, rapid response and community intelligence.

He highlighted the Corps’ dependence on intelligence-led operations across rural and urban areas and detailed recent training for 12 management staff, eight zonal commanders, 18 local government coordinators, 18 administrative officers, 18 operational managers and five personnel from each local government.

The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, commended the governor and said the peace in the state reflects the administration’s continuous support for security agencies. NSCDC State Commandant Oluyemi Ibiloye also congratulated the governor and welcomed the new recruits. The State Director of the Department of State Services, Samaila Sagiru fsi+, described the administration’s support as commendable.

The event ended with the presentation of a souvenir to Governor Aiyedatiwa by the APC Owo community. Dignitaries present included the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji, Secretary to the State Government Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, Chief of Staff Prince Segun Omojuwa, Member representing Akure North Hon Kolawole Ologede, traditional rulers, religious leaders, security chiefs and political appointees.