Dr. Oluwole Olumayokun Oluyede, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State and Convener of the Oluyede Progressive Alliance for Renewed Hope Agenda (OPARHA), has commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for providing 100 operational vehicles to security agencies across the state.
Oluyede said the intervention would improve the mobility and response capacity of security personnel and strengthen security operations across Ekiti.
The former PDP governorship candidate, in a statement on Wednesday, said the protection of lives and property should remain a shared responsibility among government, security agencies and citizens, regardless of political affiliation.
He described the provision of the vehicles as an investment in the operational capacity of security agencies, particularly in the areas of patrols, emergency response and security presence across communities.
“Security is the foundation upon which meaningful development can take place. Without peace and safety, our people cannot fully enjoy the benefits of government programmes, businesses cannot thrive and investors cannot have the confidence to invest,” Oluyede said.
The Ekiti State Government handed over the 100 vehicles to security agencies on Monday as part of measures to improve security operations, enhance rapid response and address mobility challenges. Beneficiaries include the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Department of State Services (DSS) and local security outfits.
Governor Oyebanji said the vehicles would also support the eventual take-off of the proposed Ekiti State Police Outfit. He noted that his administration had previously provided patrol vehicles, Armoured Personnel Carriers, bulletproof vests, helmets and other security equipment to security agencies in the state.
Oluyede, however, urged the benefiting agencies to ensure that the vehicles are properly deployed and maintained to achieve the intended purpose.
He also called for stronger cooperation among the security agencies, particularly through intelligence sharing, coordinated operations and rapid response to security threats.
“The vehicles must be deployed effectively and maintained properly so that they can serve the people for a long time.
“More importantly, there must be stronger collaboration among the various security agencies. Intelligence sharing, rapid response and coordinated operations are essential to sustaining the peace that Ekiti is known for,” he said.
Oluyede commended security personnel operating in the state for their service and called on traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, religious organisations and residents to support security agencies with credible information.
He said securing Ekiti should not be left solely to government and security agencies, stressing that citizens also have a role to play in preventing crime and protecting their communities.
“Government has a responsibility to provide the necessary equipment and institutional support, while security agencies have the responsibility to deploy those resources professionally. The citizens also have a responsibility to cooperate with the security agencies and provide credible information,” he stated.
Oluyede further urged the state government to sustain investment in security, infrastructure, human capital development and economic opportunities, describing these areas as important to the long-term development of Ekiti.
He also said political differences should not prevent leaders from acknowledging policies and programmes that benefit residents.
“As leaders, we must learn to put the interest of Ekiti above partisan considerations. Whenever government takes steps that are in the interest of our people, such efforts deserve encouragement,” Oluyede said.
