The Oyo community has proposed a strategic security partnership with the Nigerian Government through the provision of land for the establishment of a military cantonment aimed at strengthening security presence and responding to emerging threats in Oyo State and surrounding areas.
The Ministry of Defence disclosed that the Permanent Secretary, Mr Richard Pheelangwah, received a delegation from the Oyo Alaafin Society (Oyo Forum), Abuja, which presented the proposal on behalf of the Alaafin of Oyo.
The delegation conveyed the mandate of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, Alaafin of Oyo, with the community pledging a vast expanse of land for the construction of a military formation.
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The proposed cantonment is expected to enhance the operational presence of the Armed Forces and support responses to banditry, kidnapping, and other security threats affecting the region.
Mr Pheelangwah described the initiative as timely and noble, assuring the delegation that the proposal would undergo due consideration and relevant processes, including a formal Memorandum of Understanding, if approved.
The Ministry noted that the project would require proper institutional coordination before implementation.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Director-General of the National Board for Technology Incubation, Engr. Kolawole Raji, said the earmarked location near Old Oyo National Park, around Otefon Town in Atiba Local Government Area, was suitable for a major military installation.
According to him, the proposed facility could accommodate Nigerian Army formations, operational units of the Nigerian Air Force, military training institutions, healthcare facilities, residential quarters, and other support infrastructure.
The proposal reflects a growing security approach in which communities increasingly support defence infrastructure development by partnering with government institutions.
If realised, the cantonment could strengthen security coordination, improve response capacity, and deepen civil-military cooperation in the region.
