Oyo Gov’t will continue to maintain sane environment for socio economic development — Makinde

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has assured that the current administration will continue to maintain sane environment in the state, noting that the government has put in place OYMASED to uphold rule of law enforcement and hold violators accountable.

He stated that the Oyo State Mobilization Agency for Socio Economic development, established in 2024, is to ensure socio economic development of Oyo state through various engagements.

The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Chief Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal Esq, stated during a stakeholders engagement on Safety on Our Roads & Security in Our Neighbourhoods on Wednesday at UI Conference Hall with the theme “Security at Home, Safety on Our Roads,” that the rule of law enforcement authority is another institution the current administration has put in place. 

According to him, the government would make sure that all of the institutions that are being established are operational, emphasising that the agency will deal with issues like traffic and congestion, among other things that are problems in Nigeria. 

Barr. Lawal, who disclosed that the government has also put anti land law grabbing in place, however noted that the phenomenon of land grabbing must be curbed.

He asserts that some people would forcibly occupy land, which is illegal, and that those who do so now need to be aware that laws prohibiting land grabbing are in effect.

He said: “This engagement is apposite because of the challenges that we have. Experts have been invited to address various segment of the society. Market women, students, workers, so that we can together advance our society. That is the whole essence of this engagement. 

“It is also to sensitize our people on the existence of other agencies being put in place by Makinde administration. Ignorance of law is not an excuse. We have rule of law engagement authority that can apprehend, we have mobile court. So, if there’s any infraction on our road, it is the authority that will apprehend violators. We also have anti land grabbing agency, which are part of the institutions of government that are put in place to address challenges.

“I am happy because this audience is rich with the presence of young people to address drug abuse among others. I’ll implore and encourage the youths to take maximum advantage of this engagement. Government is doing all it could to ensure that we have orderly environment by putting this agency in place.

“The government has also ensure that we have good roads, the ongoing development is a testament to the efforts of the government. We have about five zones in the state which has been linked together by good road network under the Makinde administration.

“As you can see, vehicles are now passing through Iseyin, Ogbomoso road to ease movement and also part of socio economic development. 

“Security of lives and properties is sine-qua-non to Oyo state government. With what we have put in place including, OYRTMA, Amotekun among others, it has reduced crime rate in the state.

“Let me take the liberty of this occasion to appreciate the security agencies for ensuring that Oyo state is peaceful.”

“On behalf of His Excellency, the Governor of Oyo state, it is our pleasure that this stakeholders engagement is being put in place, and I need to encourage you to also work towards the littering of the median roads. The cleanliness of our environment is not the responsibility of the government alone but our collective efforts. 

“OYMASED with ministry of environment should collaborate and ensure that those who are in the habit of deficating our environment, are being held responsible. Therefore, I declare this engagement opened.”

In keeping with Governor Seyi Makinde’s vision for Oyo State, Hon. Justice Aderonke Aderemi had earlier in her remarks underlined the importance of Omoluabi habit among the state’s residents.

She noted that it will help the state to move forward, as well as ensure that the law deals with the people going against the law. 

She also emphasised how important it is for Oyo State residents to maintain their sanity and lead fulfilling lives, pointing out that the state government, led by Governor Makinde, is dedicated to the state’s progress.

On his part, the commissioner for police in Oyo state, ACP Omololu, noted that the issue of security is very important in the community and noted that it is a collective responsibility. 

He stressed on community policy, which according to him, allowed the civilians to join the police on useful information to apprehend violators.

“Oyo state belong to everybody. You have to cooperate with security agencies. This community belong to you. You need to participate and be part of the system.”

Speaking about the recent stampede that claimed the lives of a few children, the police commissioner pointed out that the problem was caused by a lack of security, emphasising that ignorance is never an excuse. He also urged everyone to be mindful of security and to always get permission from the police before gathering.

“Police are your friends. Don’t hide anything. And any information leaking to the police would always be protected. You don’t need to see our surbordnate but the area of commander on any information”, he said. 

The event was attended former deputy governors of Oyo state, Hamid Gbadamosi; Hazim Gbolarumi; Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade; Chairman Elders Council to Governor Seyi Makinde, Dr. Saka Balogun; Garrison commander represented by major Oyame John, representative of Commissiner of police and OYRTMA Chairman, Major Adekoya.

Others were Oyo government functionaries including chairman of agencies, royal fathers, traditional leaders and host of others.