Reward for Promotion is More Work, Oyo Deputy Gov Charges 160 Newly Promoted NSCDC Officers

Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barr. Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, has urged newly promoted officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to remain diligent and committed to their duties. 

He emphasized that their promotion and subsequent decoration signify a call to work even harder than before.

The Deputy Governor gave the charge on Tuesday at the decoration ceremony for officers promoted in the 2025 exercise, held at the Civil Defence Corps Command office in Ibadan. 

He commended the officers’ academic achievements and encouraged them to continue collaborating with the Oyo State government to bolster the state’s security framework.

Barr. Lawal highlighted that the sound education and training of the promoted officers provide strong assurance for the state’s security. 

He explained that the state’s vast landscape of about 28,000 sq km, including forest reserves and mining areas, contributes to security challenges. 

He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to protecting lives and property and mentioned ongoing efforts to combat insurgency in the northern spring of the state, with security forces actively monitoring and supporting operations.

The Deputy Governor said: “Oyo State government views security as paramount for credibility and peaceful coexistence. Without security, nothing progresses. As legal professionals among you know, providing security for lives and property is a primary function of government. Therefore, we cannot afford to take security lightly. Even the commandant is a member of the state security council, enabling him to support our security initiatives in Oyo State. I must also take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to all the service commandants present here today. 

“This afternoon, we are joined by representatives from the police, the drug law enforcement agency, and other vital organizations, demonstrating our collaborative approach to security in Oyo State. The state governor remains open to providing support to our security services.”

The Deputy Governor however congratulated the newly promoted officers on behalf of Governor Seyi Makinde, and urged them to continue prioritizing the security of lives and properties.

Earlier, the State Commandant of the NSCDC, Oyo State Command, Commandant Augustine Padonu, stated in his welcome address that the event was not just a ceremony but a recognition of dedication, professionalism, resilience, and years of service. 

He reminded attendees that leadership in uniform is earned through sacrifice, discipline, and unwavering commitment.

Padonu expressed gratitude to the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, whose reforms have strengthened internal security and ensured timely and transparent promotion exercises. 

He also acknowledged the Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, for his strategic leadership. 

Special thanks were equally extended to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, for his unwavering support, which has created an enabling environment for the Command.

“I am pleased to announce that a total of one hundred and sixty (160) senior officers of the NSCDC, Oyo State Command, were promoted in the 2025 exercise,” Padonu announced. “This remarkable number reflects the depth of competence and leadership capacity within this command. Promotion in the NSCDC is not automatic; it’s the result of a rigorous, transparent, and merit-driven process. I congratulate all the promoted officers and urge them to wear their new ranks with humility, discipline, and a renewed sense of responsibility. With your new rank comes increased expectations.” 

He also thanked the families of the promoted officers for their sacrifices and support, and acknowledged the invited guests from various security agencies and government bodies, underscoring the spirit of interagency cooperation.

In their goodwill messages, CSP Oyedepo Oyeniyi, representing the Commissioner of Police, congratulated the promotees and called for continued collaboration with other security agencies. 

Adepoju Kayode, representing the Ministry of Interior, highlighted the crucial role of the NSCDC and wished the officers success. DC Onyekoa from the Nigeria Correctional Service urged the new promotees to embrace their higher responsibilities, and the Oyo State Immigration affirmed continued synergy with other agencies. 

The speakers collectively stressed that promotion requires more work and charged the officers to be dedicated and patriotic. 

The event was attended by heads of various security outfits, including the customs, police, Nigeria Correctional Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, among others.