By Olaniyi Ajibola
Leadership, in its simplest connotation encompasses possessing greater ability for critical thinking in the quest of solving certain societal problems, it also means capacity to see beyond the ordinary, with swift and precise action, which stands an individual out as a responsible leader.
This is indeed in tandem with the thoughts of the late American Businessman and Humourist, Arnold H. Glasgow, who said,” One of the tests of leadership is the ability to recognise a problem before it becomes an emergency”.
There is no doubt that the present security situation in Nigeria calls for conscious vigilance and prompt response to protect lives and property. It is no more news that the activities of marauders and extremists across Nigeria pose an existential threats to our corporate entity.
It is against this backdrop that the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, is working assiduously to strengthen the state’s security architecture with technology -driven approach and strong mobilization of every segment of security establishments in the State.
Because the state remains a transit state connecting various states in Nigeria with a significant international border in the West Africa corridor, truly, a serious government must move strategically to nip any untoward situation in the bud and keep the environment safe for economic growth and development.
Since 2019, when the Governor and his team came on board to administer the Gateway state, there has never been a room for complacency in any form, the administration through it’s ISEYA mantra has created a conducive environment for business to thrive as well as for people to attain their potentials in every strata of human endeavours.
Governor Dapo Abiodun is seriously conscious of the stipulation of section 14 subsection 2b of the 1999 constitution, which makes the security and the welfare of the people as the primary purpose of government, hence, his relentless efforts from all fronts to ensure the people live, work and play without fear or panic.
While addressing party faithful recently during the All Progressives Congress (APC) Strategic Meeting held at the Presidential Lodge, Ibara, Abeokuta, the Governor asserted that his administration is on high alert against rising security threats across the country.
As a strategic response against this challenge, therefore, Prince Abiodun unveiled plans to deploy technology-driven solutions to strengthen the state’s security architecture and protect lives and property.
Describing the growing menace of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping across the country as deeply concerning, the governor assured residents that his administration would take proactive steps to prevent criminal elements from gaining a foothold in the state.
He said ”, We are rising to the occasion of insecurity by deploying technology to safeguard the lives of our people. We will not wait for anyone to come and attack us”.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety of residents through strategic investments in security infrastructure, enhanced collaboration with security agencies and sustained community engagement.
“As a government, we reaffirm our commitment to the protection of lives and property across Ogun State. Through strategic investments in security infrastructure, collaboration with security agencies and community engagement, we remain committed to maintaining Ogun State as a secure, peaceful and investment-friendly destination,” he stated.
The governor disclosed that special attention was being paid to the security of schools and educational institutions, noting that children represent the future of the state and must be adequately protected.
According to him, the government has intensified security measures around schools through increased surveillance, deployment of security personnel to strategic locations, stronger inter-agency collaboration and the deployment of modern technology to monitor vulnerable areas.
He said the interventions are aimed at deterring criminal activities and ensuring that educational institutions remain safe and conducive environments for learning without fear of any form.
It is instructive to note that the Governor clearly understands the intrinsic factors of insecurity beyond rhetorics and smartly devised policies and programmes to tackle it head-on in the most pragmatic manner that suggests commendable level of responsiveness.
He explained that while his administration has made significant investments in infrastructure development, greater emphasis would now be placed on human capital development and social intervention programmes designed to cushion the effects of prevailing economic challenges on residents.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, has consistently assured the people of the state of his commitment to improving their welfare through various policies of government, knowing fully well that poverty is a mother of crime and violent reactions.
In conclusion, security is too important to be left in the hands of government alone, it really requires concerted efforts and organic synergy among the government, the people and security agencies, as local intelligence is key to early response to any security threats. “IF YOU SEE SOMETHING SAY SOMETHING”.
Ajibola is a Senior Special Assistant to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Strategic Communications
