The Oyo State House of Assembly has shown commitment towards fostering collaboration and synergy with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in ensuring the safety and well-being of the citizens of Oyo State.
The Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, disclosed this when he embarked on a working visit, alongside the members of the House Committee on Security and Strategy, to the Commandant of the NSCDC, Oyo State Command, Commandant Augustine Padonu, at the State Headquarters, Agodi, Ibadan.
In his remark, Ogundoyin commended the state commandant for his exemplary leadership in the State Command and lauded the commendable efforts of the NSCDC in Oyo State, emphasising the pivotal role and significance of the civil defence as the closest security agency in the vicinity of the State Assembly.
He said: “The primary objective of government, which by God’s grace we all happen to be part of – you, from the security aspect, and we, from the legislative arm of the state – is the protection of lives and property.”
The Speaker further emphasised the importance of understanding the mandates and activities of the NSCDC, and requested feedback on the Command’s progress in areas such as logistics, personnel welfare, enforcement of the Anti-Open Grazing bill by the Agro-Ranger for food security, activities of legal and illegal miners, and citizens engagement in information gathering.
While welcoming the lawmakers to the command, Commandant Padonu acknowledged the proactive approach of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde in ensuring collaboration among security agencies in the state.
He provided a comprehensive explanation of the mandates of the corps and presented a detailed report on NSCDC’s activities in security, Agro-Ranger, and mining operations in the state among others, as requested by speaker.
The commandant further highlighted the main challenge of the corps, which revolves around logistics, including operational vehicles and the welfare of personnel at the Divisional and Area Command levels. He urged the speaker to ensure measures are put in place by the legislative arm to enhance the activities of the corps.
An interactive session took place thereafter, allowing for in-depth discussions between the lawmakers and the Management Team of the NSCDC to address the various security challenges in the state and seek lasting solutions.
The speaker promised to look into the challenges and take necessary steps to address them.
Emmanuel Ukoh
