Security expert, traditional ruler become community police patron in Oyo

As part of efforts to strengthen police-community relationship in Oyo State, some citizens who have contributed to the security efforts in the community have been made patrons of the Police Community Relations Committee, Oyo State police Command, to further give them a chance to contribute their quota towards ridding the society of crime.

Those given the honour include a security expert, Ambassador Amos Gbenga Olaniyan, the Chief Executive Officer of Crime Alert Security Network and the Sabiganna of Iganna kingdom, Oba Saliu Oyemonla Azeez.

Speaking during the investiture which was held last week at Owu Crown Hotel in Ibadan, Ambassador Olaniyan said he was grateful for the honour adding that, “doing your best to help society is one thing; another thing is for society to recognise your efforts. Today’s gathering is no doubt the appreciation of what I don’t even see as something special but an attempt to make our society conducive for living.

“When we started, our aim was to reduce poverty and ensure safety of lives and properties in Nigeria, though in the beginning, people seemed not to believe us, now, they know that we are real. Aside our operation as a security outfit working to ensure a crime-free society, Crime Alert has also taken several steps to ease various social stress in the country with several empowerment schemes.

“In the 13 years of existence, Crime Alert has gained the confidence of many Nigerians which has resulted in the increase in the number of subscribers. I must tell you that the recognition I am receiving today will serve as a morale booster to do more than what I have been doing in the past, because my position as patron of Oyo State PCRC will not be taken as a mere recognition but as a call to service,” Olaniyan said.

He added that it as motivation to contribute more not just to ensure safety of lives and property but also to prioritize efforts towards increasing socio-security in Nigeria, reiterating  that poverties eradication is the best form of security that can truly end crime in Nigeria.

“If government should prioritise poverty eradication by increasing efforts aimed at ending hunger and quality health service delivery, security agencies would have less crime battle to fight. Also, there is need for collaboration between security agencies and other private security experts in the country before the fight against crime can be successful,” he concluded.

Also speaking, Oba Azeez stated that as a royal father, the security of his people had always been an important responsibility, adding that being made a patron of the PCRC Oyo command only reiterated the need to work more for security of lives and properties in his domain.

“Security of lives and properties as well as ensuring peace reigns is a responsibility that I have never taken with levity. To be recognized for this is endearing and I am more determined to do all within my power to make the work of the police easier,” Oba Azeez said.

Also speaking, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Shina Olukolu, stressed the need for effective partnership between security agencies and members of the public while he called for continuous support of all Nigerians towards curtailing the spate of insecurity in the country.

Olukolu commended Nigerians for their support despite the noticed lapses on the part of the force and emphasized the need for a harmonious working relationship between the police and members of the public, stressing that this is why the police are harping on community policing as panacea for tackling the spate of insecurity in the country.

Other speakers at the event includes the director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Oyo State, Dolapo Dosumu and the chairman of PCRC in the state, Peter Omofoye, who also stressed the need for more collaboration between the security agencies and other Nigerians for a secure environment.