The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has again promised that the state would continue to provide more support to security agencies and strengthen security architecture.
The aim is to keep residents of the state safe and secure, and maintain peace and order.
The Governor stated this, on Sunday, at The Cathedral of St. Peter, Aremo, Ibadan, during a service to commemorate the 2024 Armed Forces and Remembrance Day Celebration Church Service.
Makinde, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, said that “the state government would not relent in pursuing a cause that would further boost the morale of security agents so that they could do more in securing Oyo State.”
He noted that the state had been showing its appreciation for the sacrifices of the officers and men of the Armed Forces through different means, including providing logistics and welfare support to encourage them to do their jobs effectively.
Governor Makinde said: “It is one thing for us to gather every year to eulogise these patriotic and brave men and women, but as Ronald Reagan once enjoined, ‘If words cannot repay the debt we owe these men, surely with our actions we must strive to keep faith with them and with the vision that led them to battle and to final sacrifice.’
“Therefore, during these commemorative activities, more than ever before, it is pertinent to ask ourselves individually and collectively how we are honouring and supporting these brave and gallant men and women, who even as we speak, are being attacked, maimed, and killed by non-state actors like Boko Haram, bandits, kidnappers, and others.”
He said that the Oyo State Government was making great effort at showing, in practical terms, deep appreciation for the sacrifices of the gallant patriots, as it recently handed over an additional 100 operational vehicles to security agencies in the state to strengthen the security architecture in the state.
Governor Makinde said he was grateful for the profound collaboration his administration is enjoying with the Nigerian Armed Forces, especially those with command locations in the state, and also used the opportunity of the event to appreciate the Nigerian Legion for its effort in maintaining comradeship of servicemen and servicewomen after retirement.
“I am glad that our efforts are yielding positive results in boosting the morale of the men and women of the Armed Forces, while making Oyo one of the safest states in the country, ” he said.
Governor Makinde enjoined individuals and prominent people in the state to always honour and support the Armed Forces and other allied security agencies, who are valiantly working to maintain internal peace, harmony and safety, as well as guarding the country’s borders against external attacks.
The Diocesan Bishop of the Ibadan Anglican Diocese, Rt Reverend Williams Aladekugbe, thanked the Governor and the government for making the state enviable through various unprecedented developmental projects.
While appreciating the men and women of the Nigerian Legion and the Armed Forces for their sacrifices of love and labour, Aladekugbe urged them to continue to serve the nation and humanity wholeheartedly, assuring them of God’s rewards for their faithful service.
Special prayers were offered for Nigeria, Oyo State, the Armed Forces and the families of the fallen heroes.
The church service had in attendance the Oyo State Chief Judge, Justice Iyabo Yerima, represented by Justice Adediran Akintola; the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni (mni); Oyo State Government functionaries and service commanders in the state.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
