The Oyo State government has approved a total of N778million for the procurement of security patrol vans for security operatives in the state, as well as provisions of security equipment for the state’s Joint Security Task Force codenamed, Operation Burst.
The Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun stated this while briefing newsmen after the State Executive Council meeting which held at the Executive Council Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Agodi-Secretariat, Ibadan, on Tuesday.
The meeting was presided over by Governor Seyi Makinde.
The Commissioner explained that the N778million approved by the council is to be used for the procurement of 25 JAC Pickup vans put at a cost of N603million, while the balance of N175million is to be used for the provision of security equipment for the Joint Security Task Force.
Olatunbosun said: “First is the purchase of 25 JAC Pickup vans for security operatives in Oyo State and secondly, is the provision of security equipment for the Oyo State Joint Security Task Force, codenamed Operation Burst.
“The security vans for security operatives is put at a cost of N603.8million, while the cost of purchasing security equipment for the Oyo State Joint Security Task Force, codenamed Operation Burst, is put at N175.4million. The purchase of these equipment will enhance and protect the personnel of the outfit,” he stated.
The Commissioner said the council also discussed extensively the commissioning of the Bashorun-Idi-Ape-General Gas-Akobo-Odogbo Barracks dualisation project, which would come up on Thursday.
Selection of Alaafin
Responding to questions on the selection of the next Alaafin of Oyo, Olatunbosun, who was accompanied by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor, Mr Taiwo Adisa, said the process was still at an infant stage and still being handled at the local government level, noting that a report would be sent to the state government when the task is completed.
He stated: “As far as we are concerned, the move is a process, it has started and has not gotten to the state. It is still within the local government level. Only the Chairman, Atiba Local Government Area can answer all questions yet.”
Corroborating the view, the CPS said the selection of the Alaafin is guided by the Chieftaincy Declaration Law of the state and as long as the process conforms to the law, the report would be forwarded to the state government.
He added that once the law is conformed with and the issue is brought to the state government, the Governor would act on it.
Emmanuel Ukoh
