By John Dike, Osogbo
The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Osun State Chapter, on Saturday distributed additional security patrol vehicles to security agencies across the state as part of efforts to strengthen security and enhance public safety.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony, the Osun ALGON Chairman, Hon. Samuel Idowu Abiodun, said the initiative reflected the commitment of local government councils to supporting security agencies in protecting lives and property.
He explained that the distribution of the remaining patrol vehicles fulfilled a promise made by the association following the first phase of the exercise conducted a few weeks ago.
According to him, security remains the foundation for meaningful development, stressing that no society can attain sustainable progress without peace and stability.
Abiodun said local governments, being the closest tier of government to the people, are better positioned to understand the peculiar security challenges confronting communities and respond appropriately.
He commended the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for their efforts in maintaining peace and law and order across Osun State.
The ALGON chairman recalled the killing of former Irewole Local Government Chairman, Hon. Remi Abass, in February 2025, describing the incident as a painful reminder of the need to strengthen security, particularly ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
He urged security agencies to remain vigilant and ensure that lives and property are adequately protected before, during and after the election.
Abiodun further stated that local government autonomy had enabled councils to respond more effectively to the needs of residents by initiating people-oriented programmes, including the procurement of operational vehicles for security agencies.
He noted that the patrol vehicles would improve operational mobility, reduce response time to emergencies and enhance crime prevention across the state.
While applauding the dedication and sacrifices of security personnel, he described the donation as a demonstration of the councils’ appreciation for their service.
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He also appealed to residents to support security agencies with timely and credible information, stressing that security remains a collective responsibility.
Abiodun charged the beneficiary agencies to make judicious use of the vehicles and ensure proper maintenance to guarantee maximum service delivery.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Police in Osun State, CP Ibrahim Gotan, described the donation as a strategic intervention that would strengthen the operational capacity of security agencies across the state.
He thanked the ALGON leadership for what he called a thoughtful investment in security, noting that the additional patrol vehicles would improve mobility, expand patrol coverage, enhance intelligence-led policing and deepen collaboration among security agencies.
The police commissioner assured residents that the vehicles would be deployed strictly for operational duties and maintained properly to achieve their intended purpose.
“As beneficiaries of this support, we assure members of the public that these vehicles will be deployed judiciously and utilised solely for the protection of lives and property and the maintenance of peace across Osun State,” Gotan said.
He also commended the synergy among security agencies in the state, saying effective policing depends on cooperation and coordinated action.
Gotan reaffirmed the commitment of the Osun State Police Command to ensuring a peaceful and secure environment where residents can conduct their lawful activities without fear, while urging the public to continue supporting security agencies with useful information to combat crime.
