Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, says his administration is prepared to establish a state-owned police force, revealing that over 6,000 personnel from the Amotekun Corps and So-Safe Corps are available to form its workforce.
The two security outfits were established by the state government to support federal agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the military, in maintaining law and order.
Abiodun disclosed this in a statement on Sunday following his participation in the 50th anniversary celebration of Ereke Day, held on Saturday in Ikenne Local Government Area of the state.
He said the existing security agencies had equipped Ogun with the personnel and operational experience required to introduce state policing, expressing optimism that the initiative would improve the protection of lives and property.
The governor described the Ogun State House of Assembly’s approval of the establishment of state police as a major step towards strengthening the state’s security system.
Abiodun, who chairs the Nigeria Governors’ Forum Committee on State Police Creation and represents President Bola Tinubu on the committee, said the state had made considerable progress towards implementing the initiative.
He said, “I am the Chairman of the Governors’ Forum on State Police Creation and the representative of the President in the Governors’ Forum on State Police Creation. I am particularly proud to announce that the Ogun State House of Assembly has approved the creation of State Police.
Between Amotekun and the So-Safe Corps, we have over 6,000 personnel. These are people who have been part of our security arrangements and have acquired experience in protecting our communities.
We are ready for the Ogun State Police Command, and I believe that this will make a significant difference in our ability to protect the lives and property of our people.”
Abiodun emphasised that a secure environment was necessary for economic growth, noting that businesses and communities could not prosper amid insecurity and violence.
He called for closer collaboration between residents and security agencies, stressing that maintaining peace required the involvement of all stakeholders.
On infrastructure, the governor directed the immediate reconstruction of the Delabo-Ikenne Road, saying the project would enhance movement, improve commercial activities and connect communities more effectively.
Addressing the Ereke Day celebration, Abiodun described its 50th anniversary as a significant achievement that demonstrated the people’s common heritage, unity and commitment to collective progress.
He said, “Fifty years is very remarkable in the tradition and history of any people. It speaks to a united and common heritage, shared values and a collective determination to build a better future.
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It is also a celebration of the foresight of our forefathers, the sacrifices of those who came before us and the commitment of successive generations to preserve the identity of this community while working towards a more prosperous future.”
The governor praised traditional rulers and members of the Ikenne Traditional Council of Chiefs for their contributions to peace, unity and development in the area.
He noted that while the government was responsible for providing infrastructure, leadership and an enabling environment, communities also needed to participate actively in determining and implementing projects that addressed their needs.
Abiodun highlighted Ikenne’s historical significance to Ogun State and Nigeria, recalling its connection to notable figures such as the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and educationist, Dr Tai Solarin.
He said their contributions to education, democratic governance and national development should serve as inspiration for younger generations to pursue excellence and make meaningful contributions to society.
The governor, however, warned that development and economic progress would remain difficult to sustain without peace and security.
He urged young people in Ikenne to reject attempts by politicians to recruit them for acts of violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Abiodun cautioned that political unrest could threaten the community’s peace and undermine its development.
He said, “No political ambition is worth the peace of our community, and no temporary inducement is worth sacrificing your future. Our young people must not allow themselves to become instruments of violence or political manipulation.
“Politics should be about ideas, credible leadership, performance and the ability to present workable solutions to the challenges confronting our people. Elections should be an opportunity for citizens to make informed choices, not a season of intimidation, destruction and needless confrontation.
“I, therefore, urge our youths to embrace political maturity, patriotism and responsible civic participation. The future of this community is far more important than the temporary interests of any individual or political group.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr Kunle Soname, praised Abiodun as a worthy son of Remoland and acknowledged his administration’s developmental projects across Ikenne and other parts of the region.
Soname highlighted the governor’s donation of a 500KVA transformer and the reconstruction of Awolowo Road, among other interventions, saying the projects had positively affected residents.
He also pledged the continued cooperation and support of the people of Ikenne and Remoland for the Abiodun administration.