The Nation Newspaper

Tag: security

  • Uneme people urge government’s attention on education, security in communities

    Uneme people urge government’s attention on education, security in communities

    The Uneme-speaking people of Edo State have drawn the attention of the government to the need to address the falling standards of education and worsening security in their communities.

    They called for urgent attention of the government at all levels to tackle the situation.

    Leaders of the communities which include:  Anegbette, Udochi, Erhurun, Akiosu, Enekhua, Imiava, Uzanu, Ekpedo, and Akpama spoke at a five hundred million naira Education and Security Trust Fund and Award ceremony for the communities in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

    They affirmed that primary and secondary education in their domains have since deteriorated with the absence of qualified teachers in their schools just as the security of the communities is getting worse.

    Speaking at the event, the president of the Uneme National Development Association (UNDA), Prince Babatunde Obabori urged the Edo state and local government authorities where the Uneme people are located to ensure the provision of social amenities that will attract and encourage teachers to stay in rural communities.

    Speaking of the launch, Obabori said: “Our mission is to promote educational excellence, support a safer society, and project the cause of the Uneme nation by complementing our government’s efforts at all levels.

    Read Also: October 1: Tight security as police deploy explosive, anti-riot equipment

    “UNDA has in the past impacted all Uneme communities with the building of classrooms, Corpers lodges, provision of teachers and support logistics for the local security network in our communities, but current realities have called for more funding for these projects.”

    On his part, a member representing Akoko-Edo Federal Constituency, Peter Akpatason said the communities thought it necessary to support families to ensure that children of the less endowed did not drop out of school affirming that “things have become very difficult for families that even paying school fees is a herculean task for some.”

    Also speaking, the chairman of Uneme Traditional Rulers Council, the Oliola of Anegbette and Clan Head of South Uneme, Alhaji Yakubu Momodu Ugbodaga urged the sons and daughters of Uneme in the diaspora to contribute to the fund to change the narratives of the current challenges in their various communities.

    The UNDA realised over forty million naira at the event which it said will be used to provide classrooms, educational materials, and residential accommodation for teachers in the different Uneme communities among others.

  • Firm mulls security with mechanised farming

    Firm mulls security with mechanised farming

    Food security has received a major boost all thanks to the concerted efforts by Origin Tech Group spearheading the Greener Hope Agriculture Mechanisation Productivity Programme (GHAPP).

    This transformative initiative aims to significantly boost food production and fortify the nation’s agricultural resilience.

    By strategically deploying advanced agricultural machinery, optimising land use, and making targeted investments in production and processing, the programme is set to increase food output by over 2 million metric tonnes.

    Justifying the need for this initiative, the Executive Chairman of Origin Tech Group, Prince Samuel Joseph Samuel highlighted the critical role of collaboration in achieving the programme’s objectives.

    “The Greener Hope National Agriculture Productivity Programme is an initiative to expand food production by over 2 million metric tonnes through collaboration with Federal, State, and Local governments, as well as the private sector,” he stated.

    Read Also: CBN will be limited without autonomy, group rejects proposed amendment by NASS

    The programme, he maintained, aims to establish large-scale commercial farming hubs that will optimise production and significantly boost the agricultural sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    The initiative is supported by a consortium of global partners, with funding from the Brazilian Government and Deutsche Bank Group.

    According to Samuel, leveraging its extensive experience and proven track record of successful partnerships, Origin Tech Group will lead the implementation of this multi-million-dollar investment project.

    The focus will be on establishing mechanisation hubs nationwide, equipping farmers with the tools and technology necessary to maximize agricultural output and minimize waste.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, has consistently highlighted the importance of this programme.

  • Tight security in Abuja schools as pupils resume

    Tight security in Abuja schools as pupils resume

    • Turnout impressive, says FCTA
    • Be alive to your responsibilities, Lagos govt tells teachers

    Pupils of primary and secondary schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) resumed school yesterday amid tight security.

    A great number of the pupils and their teachers immediately assumed classes.

    Though there had been tight security in schools across the territory before yesterday’s resumption of classes, it was further tightened as classes commenced.

    Last week, the FCT police command launched the school protection squad in Abuja. 

    The FCTA Education Management Team toured public and private schools to assess resumption compliance level in schools.

    At the Government Science Secondary School (GSSS), Pyakasa of Maitama District in Abuja Municipal Area (AMAC), there was a high turnout of pupils and teachers while academic activities started on a high note. 

    The school’s head teacher, Isa Okuro, said out of 1,400 pupils, 964 had resumed classes.

    He said: “This is quite encouraging. So, we commend the government for the renovation of the school. The parents have been praising the government.”

    Read Also: Global airport security market hits $23.6b in next nine years

    The pupils expressed joy at the proactive measures the government had put in place for them to have a peaceful atmosphere for learning.

    The FCTA inspection team, led by the Mandate Secretary for FCT Education Secretariat, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, also visited the Government Secondary School, Jabi (GSS Jabi); Junior Secondary School, Jabi (JSS Jabi); LEA, Primary School, Jabi; and Doveland Schools, Jabi, all in AMAC.

    In Lagos State, the government yesterday urged teachers in public schools to be alive to their responsibilities.

    Pupils in public and private primary and secondary schools resumed for the 2024/2025 academic session yesterday across the state.

    They started academic works immediately.

    While touring some public schools in the state yesterday, Basic and Secondary Education Commissioner Jamiu Alli-Balogun told teachers to do their best towards imparting knowledge to their pupils.

    “Teachers must do the right thing: collaborate with community stakeholders, change the narrative, put more efforts to excel, bring new energy and skills using technology to improve the learning process.

    “They should leverage technology and expose themselves to new tools in educational sector, like Artificial Intelligence (AI), coding, which are very vital in this modern world and generation,” he said.

    The commissioner urged teachers to develop and sustain pupils’ interest in extra-curricular activities, clubs and creative areas, such as the JET Club, literary/debating society, photography, Boys’ Scout, Man‘OWar, and photography.

    Alli-Balogun also advised teachers to encourage pupils’ participation in games, like handball, football, basketball, and others.

    The commissioner lauded the turnout of pupils and reception at some schools he visited.

    But he expressed some misgivings about few lapses he observed, saying: “We came unannounced and observed that there was dust, cobwebs on the chairs, windows and roofs in the classrooms. We also saw refuse in some schools, which showed the principals were not doing their job.

    “This also means that they did not carry out pre-resumption activities. This is not good for the health of pupils. I’m not happy about it and have warned against it,” he added.

    The commissioner and his team also visited Ransome-Kuti Memorial Junior and Senior Grammar School, Mushin; Birch Freeman Junior and Senior High School, Surulere; Oduduwa Junior and Senior Secondary School, Ladipo, Oshodi; and Ojota Junior and Senior Secondary, among others.

  • Security: Police launch school protection squad in Abuja

    Security: Police launch school protection squad in Abuja

    Ahead of school resumption next Monday, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police command yesterday launched School Protection Squad to avert attacks on private and public schools in the six area councils of Abuja.

    FCT Police Commissioner Benneth Igweh announced this while declaring open the ongoing police strategic stakeholders’ forum on security of schools in the FCT and training of the schools protection squad at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre in Abuja.

    Igweh said the training, with the theme: Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities in the Protection of Education, organised to prepare police personnel for the protection of students/pupils and teachers as well as secure schools in the FCT.

    He said: “Security and safety of students and teachers have gained significant attention from government at all levels, following incessant attacks on schools which have created panic in the minds of teachers, students and parents. The act has led to the closure of schools.

    “The command has mapped out all schools in the territory to ensure their adequate safety and protection. The command has not recorded any attack on schools. The command is committed to sustaining efforts towards the safety of the schools, especially in the rural areas.”

    The Federal Government, in the efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children, formally launched the Safe School Protection (SSP) initiatives programme in 2022.

    Read Also: Binance executive rejected State House Clinic’s medical intervention, EFCC tells court

    Also, the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of Operations, Ede Ayuba, stressed that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) remained committed to preventing attacks on schools across the country, hence the establishment of SSP the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun in all states of the federation and the FCT.

    Ayuba said this was aimed at complementing the efforts of the Federal Government to achieve a safer and secure school environment across the country.

    He said: “Today’s programme is a follow-up to similar events held in Kaduna and Niger states May 8 and 9 as well as May 14 and 15. They witnessed massive participation and were equally successful. I have no doubt that we will achieve more participation of relevant stakeholders in the FCT…

    “The forum is, amongst others, geared towards fostering effective partnership between the Nigeria Police, sister security agencies, and other relevant stakeholders in preventing attacks on schools.”

  • Security; first salary, first pension payment

    Security; first salary, first pension payment

    Nigeria must stop politics and immediately execute a cross-party united ‘military dispatch’ war on banditry, kidnapping.

    The resignation of the National Intelligence Agency Director General, (NIA D-G) Ahmed Abubakar after serving since 2018 and being reappointed by Tinubu speaks volumes into the silence around security successes and failures. Everyone has a right to resign for personal reasons. And his tenure must be assessed. Unfortunately, the security situation has been worsened by poverty spread by joblessness, poor currency value, confidence-destroying ‘high cost-low value’ actions of current state and federal governments, a dangerous countryside where kings and kinfolk, leaders and led end up dead.

    Abubakar knows more about Nigeria than all of us readers put together. That is the burden of security leaders – to know and not to speak. Clearly security challenges are shaking the country mentally. We must assume that Abubakar’s tenure prevented threats and averted crises, so we must thank him even though what he has done must remain secret. Thank you.

    The incoming NIA D-G has a huge file of security problems to overcome and will need state cooperation. The last of eight NYSC participants kidnapped last year has been released. Obviously, they must receive their certificates, as their right! Congratulations to all security and NYSC officials concerned. However, Nigeria still faces threats which test our security agents to preempt, prevent, pursue, arrest the perpetrators and prevent recurrence.

    We are told that pensions do not start being paid to pensioners for more than one year after leaving office. When they ask what new pensioners should live on before the pension kicks in in one or two years, idiotic pension staff reply ‘your savings’.

    Mr President, surely you can get an Executive Order to force Pension Fund to immediately pay a sum equivalent to the projected pension to the new pensioned individuals from the first month of retirement. It is disgraceful that pensioners are treated like lost property. Just last month we learnt the unthinkable crime of ‘non-payment of salaries’ to 1,800 Federal Government College new teachers for more than 18 months? An unimaginable crime against humanity perpetrated by some ministry infighting or total administrative culpable catastrophic incompetence for which many heads must go to jail as a human rights abuse leading to depression, disease and death.  Why were these teachers, members of Nigerian working society all not paid their dues from ‘month end one’? What quality control standards exist in the Federal Civil Service and the MDAs of Nigeria? Who knew and did nothing? Were the teachers expected to bribe to get on the payroll?

    Read Also: Nigeria has 10m voters more than all ECOWAS countries, says INEC Chairman

    I am sure everyone in the Presidency 2023-2027 got paid from ‘month end one’. So, it should be for every federal, state, MDA and private sector employee. There must be a ‘month one’ way to pay the new employee instead of the current 3-18 months. The paperwork should not take a month; ditto for retirement and pension payments, subjects of corruption for too long. It is time Nigerian government officials step into line and we must imprison negligent, corrupt and fraudulent officials.        

    There is some security ‘good news’. Hurray, all 20 medical students and doctor kidnapped recently have been released. How soon will kidnapping become a thing of an ugly past?   Already, a doctor in Ilorin has been kidnapped. It seems we have so quickly forgotten the mass execution of over 60 Fellow Nigerians, names known only to their bereaved families, murdered simply for being on their farms doing their ancestral agricultural chores recently. We need no reminding of the murder of a District Head of Sabon Birni, Isa Bawa, along with the psychotic demand of N60m+five motorcycles as ransom to release his body for burial.

    Many kidnap victims have been murdered even after full ransom was paid. Just last week a state government, Niger was appealing to the military to again deploy troops to re-secure Shiroro forest, a permanent thorn in the flesh of Nigerian security, after some spectacular successes in May. It is reported that the military strategically withdrew some months ago. Is it at all possible that the military does not know of the need to do this or are they willing but unable, due to under-equipping, to respond spontaneously and preemptively? All this is when the federal government has received a presidential jet and presidential limousine and has recently expended 15+billion on revamping vice president’s complex et cetera. Choices, choices! Perhaps the terrorists have regrouped or been reinforced from internal and external sources.

    Nigeria seems to be in a ‘fight and let go’ operational mode allowing the enemy to retreat, but not repentant. But the terrorists retreat to other parts of Nigeria and not to other countries. So, they will come back and kill! Simple!! But Nigeria has had war declared on it. Nigeria must be seen to declare war back on the terrorists, kidnappers and all wayward herders among the herders. And not merely drive off pockets of the enemy from one locality to another where they will repeat their bloodthirsty evil deeds in double and triple portions. The enemy must be neutralized for Nigeria to enjoy peace and chart a return to agriculture success, job creation and an elimination of daily tragic bloodletting which has precipitated an ocean of orphans, widows and jobless youth.   

    Security savvy Nigerians ask what is the role of cellphone and heat seeking tracking, drones and satellite imagery from friendly countries in terrorism investigation?  

  • We have stabilised security in Birnin Gwari, environs for six months – Gov Sani

    We have stabilised security in Birnin Gwari, environs for six months – Gov Sani

    ….flags-off 35.6km road linking over 62 villages

    Governor Uba Sani, while inaugurating a 35.6-kilometer road linking 62 agrarian communities in Birnin-Gwari to the market, stated that the security efforts in the troubled local government area are yielding positive results.

    The governor, who commended the various agencies enforcing security in the bandits troubled Birnin-Gwari and environs, said there has been stability in the area, especially on the highway, in the last six months.

    Our correspondent observed that relative peace has returned to many communities along the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari route, as farmers were seen working on their fields.

    Governor Sani, however, expressed confidence that with sustained security operations in the area, the economy of Birnin-Gwari will bounce back in no distance future.

    Speaking on the 35.6 kilometers road, which is billed to start from Bagoma to Gagumi through Ungwan Fari, Idi Labo, Awaro, Tashan Keji and Sabon Layi, Governor Sani said, the road when completed will link 62 farming communities to the market.

    He said his administration has prioritized rural transformation to boost the economy of the rural communities and minimize rural-urban migration.

    He said: “My presence here to flag off the re-construction of this 35.6km road from Bagoma to Gagumi through Ungwan Fari, Idi Labo, Awaro, Tashan Keji, and Sabon Layi marks the beginning of the restoration of peace and stability to this long suffering and troubled Local Government.

    “Birnin Gwari local government is a major gateway to many parts of Nigeria. It is a resource – rich local government. It has huge mineral deposits and arable land for farming. It also has a large forest that has been a source of pain for the citizens and a challenge to security forces. We are however making progress in our efforts at stabilizing the situation. We are committed to facilitating the resumption of business activities in this local government. We want the people to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives.

    Read Also: Immigration boss orders dismantling of unauthorised roadblocks at border areas

    “Our administration’s Rural Transformation Drive is fast gathering momentum. We are addressing our infrastructural deficits, bridging the urban – rural divide, reinventing local economies, boosting agriculture, and making rural living a pleasurable experience. We are also targeting the urban poor. They have suffered years of utter neglect. We are committed to building of infrastructure in areas where they inhabit.

    “Our administration has prioritized infrastructure development, especially road infrastructure. Good roads enhance economic development and enables security agencies to respond swiftly to emergency situations. Since we assumed office in 2023, we have performed the groundbreaking of 62 roads across Kaduna State, totalling 817km. Some of the roads have been completed and commissioned, while others are in advanced stages of completion.

    “When completed, this road will significantly improve the social and economic conditions of the people. It will enhance movement of people and agricultural produce from farms to markets, and reduce post-harvest losses. It will also enhance the security of the communities. Direct and indirect jobs will be created during the construction period,” the Governor said.

    Earlier, the Emir of BirninGwari, Malam Subair Jibril Maigwari II. expressed appreciation to the Governor and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for fulfilling their promises to bring developmental projects to the neglected Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area.

    He was particularly excited by the news that President Tinubu has given directive for the reconstruction of the long dilapidated Kaduna-Birnin Gwari highway.

  • Security operatives storm kidnappers’ den, rescue victim in Anambra

    Security operatives storm kidnappers’ den, rescue victim in Anambra

    The Joint Security Forces (JSF) has stormed the den of kidnappers in Anambra State and rescued a victim.

    The victim’s name has not been made known by the security operatives.

    The rescue of the victim, according to the state Police spokesman, Tochukwu Ikenga, followed the confession by an arrested suspect.

    He said the joint security forces were police, military,vigilante groups etc.

    According to the PPRO,”In an ongoing operation in Ihaila, a combined team of Police, Military and AVG operatives busted a criminal den at Umuduru, Ihiala and rescued a kidnap victim unhurt.

    Read Also: IGP’s dedication to justice, security commendable – Tinubu

    “The feat is following an arrest of a suspect (name withheld) few weeks ago and his confession of being a member of a criminal/notorious kidnap gang terrorising the state, especially in Ihiala.

    “The rescued victim has been debriefed and released to the family, while operations are still ongoing.”

    He said further development would be communicated to the public later.

    A medical doctor was kidnapped in Ihiala Local Government Area last weekend, a development which made the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) threatening to shut services in the state, if he was not rescued.

  • Tight security in states, FCT over planned protest

    Tight security in states, FCT over planned protest

    Commissioners of police in charge of states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) yesterday reeled out measures to prevent a breakdown of law and order during the planned protest billed to commence on Thursday.

    The measures include deploying personnel and resources, especially in the FCT and state capitals.

    Those who spoke are officers in charge of  FCT, Oyo, Imo, Kwara, Plateau, Niger and Akwa Ibom states. They assured residents of their safety and protection of the property but warned the organisers of the protest against violence.

    The   Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps(NSCDC) also announced the deployment of about 30,000 personnel nationwide to forestall criminal acts during the protest.

    In  Abuja, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike met with youths and other stakeholders on ways to avert the strike.

    Afenifere Youth Organisation of Nigeria (YAYON) said the demonstration would not be allowed in Lagos.

    Police uncover plot  to disrupt peace in Oyo

    In Ibadan, the spokesman for  the  Police, Adewale Osifeso,   said motorised patrols would be used to cover all nooks and crannies in major cities of  the state,

    He called on the organisers to notify the command of their take-off point, routes, and duration of the protest.  

    Osifeso, who added that the police had uncovered a plot by some unscrupulous individuals to destabilise the state, advised parents and guardians to prevail on their children, wards, and followers against being used as cannon fodders.

    Police abort protest in Niger

    Niger State Commissioner of Police, Shawulu  Danmamman said the command has embarked on the massive deployment of personnel and operational assets in collaboration with other security agencies across the state.

    Danmamman, who  added that some boys who  attempted  to protest  along the Kaduna Road in Suleja were  dispersed, said   that  Operation Show of Force  was ongoing at some places  where any challenges might be observed.”

    “Some boys were sighted along Kaduna Road in Suleja in an attempt to block the road, the Area Commander Suleja swiftly moved with his team to the scene, and the boys were dispersed peacefully,’’  the police chief said.

      Tik Toker arrested,  evacuation of disused tires ordered in Plateau

    Apart from deploying his men and officers,  Plateau State Police Commissioner,     Emmanuel Adesina, ordered the evacuation of disused tyres from streets and markets.

     Adesina advised residents to conduct themselves in a manner that peace and tranquility would not be tampered with during the period of the protest.

    He also assured protesters of adequate security and vowed to take appropriate lawful actions against any person or group that might want to infiltrate genuine protesters to foment trouble.

    The   Police boss, in a statement by the command’s spokesman, Alfred Alabo,   announced the arrest of   34-year-old Suleiman Yakubu,  for releasing a video calling for violence in the state ahead of the protest.

    Yakubu,  a resident of Jos North,  was seen in a TikTok video inciting the public to attack security operatives and burn down critical state and private infrastructure in the state.

    Read Also: Planned protest: NBA calls for caution, urges planners to have a rethink

    In the video, the suspect   ‘’reeled out the deadly agenda on how it (protest) will be executed.

    Yakubu said: ‘’I think we should begin by burning the useless filing stations in Jos North, Jos South, Jos East, and Jos West then the following day we should move to  bigger markets”.

    Another video in which Yakubu was being interrogated after his arrest, apparently by security operatives, went viral yesterday.

    In the video, Yakubu was seen pleading and recanting as he answered questions thrown at him by his interrogator.

    Kwara police urge support of  vigilance groups, community leaders

    Kwara State   Police Command urged community leaders and local vigilantes to cooperate with its men and officers  to prevent a breakdown of law and order in the state

    The command also issued a stern warning to individuals with malicious intent during the protests.

    Spokesperson for the Police Toun Ejire-Adeyemi said:  “ The command wishes to discourage citizens from participating in the said protest and to remind all persons that if the peaceful protest should take place, any attempt by miscreants to hijack the protest for their selfish end will not be tolerated.’’

     A’Ibom CP warns against hijack of protest 

    Police in Akwa Ibom State, who urged the protest planners to ensure that it is not hijacked by hoodlums, listed conditions that they must adhere  to.

    Commissioner of Police in the state, Waheed Ayilara, listed ‘’assembly point and routes, duration of the protest as well as names and contact details of protest leaders and organisers,’’ as some of the terms.

    Ayilara added: “The command wishes to assure the good people of Akwa Ibom State that it will spare no resources in ensuring that residents are protected during and after the protest and will continue to maintain law and order throughout the state.”

    Police, Army begin 15-day show of force

    In Imo State, operatives have been deployed in strategic points across the state to prevent any breakdown of law and order.

    Also, security agents are to embark on a 15-day show of force in the state’s  27 Local Government Areas (LGAs).

    According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer,   Henry Okoye, the show of force would involve members of the Armed Forces and other security to ensure public safety and deter miscreants.

    “Detectives from the State Intelligence Department have also been deployed for covert intelligence gathering to monitor the situation surrounding the planned protest,” Okoye said.

  • Military begins overhaul of security infrastructure

    Military begins overhaul of security infrastructure

    The Chief of Defence Staff CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa said on Monday the national security infrastructure will be examined for armed forces’ readiness and intelligence capabilities to civil military coordination and strategic communications.

    The CDS said that there is already a resolve to protect and secure residents of Nigeria against new threats.

    Musa announced this at National Defence College, Abuja, at the opening ceremony of the joint Strategic National Security Exercise (STRANEX) 2024 organized by the college.

    He charged top level military officers to demonstrate steadfast dedication to ensuring the safety and security of the country.

    The defence chief said the course would refine the participants’ crisis management and strategic planning abilities “as they maneuver through challenging situations and make important decisions.”

    He said: “All aspects of our national security infrastructure will be examined for military readiness and intelligence capabilities to civil military coordination and strategic communications.

    “Crucially, STRANEX provides a forum for promoting interagency collaboration and coordination.”

    Read Also: Protest: Don’t visit pains of inherited economic mess on Tinubu, Gov Sani appeals to Kaduna residents

    Commandant of NDC, Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu, said the exercise was a collaborative training event aimed at preparing the participants towards addressing the nation’s complex and ever evolving security threats.

    Olotu, who was represented by the Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies, Maj.-Gen. Lawrence Fejokwu, said the threats transcend the capability of individual services and agencies, but demanded a seamless unified response.

    He said: “Thus, to effectively combat these challenges, realistic, sustainable and coordinated joint efforts remain paramount.

    “It is in this regard that innovative and strategic training institutions such as NDC, continually exercise complex scenarios, dispose participants to the indicative of informed strategic decision during national crisis.

    “The exercise is meticulously designed to provide a comprehensive learning and more realistic experience across the grand strategy, management strategy and operational levels.”

  • Adebayo disburses financial aid to security agencies amid rising crime in Iresa-Adu

    Adebayo disburses financial aid to security agencies amid rising crime in Iresa-Adu

    London-based Prince Adebayo Kayode, popularly known as Prince Adebayo of Iresa, has disbursed financial aid through his foundation, Iresa Royal Foundation, to security agencies in the Iresa-Adu community.

     The gesture was in response to the persistent robberies and security lapses in the township.

    Reports emerged on Sunday, July 7 of recent surge in criminal activities in Iresa-Adu. Businesses were raided and shops emptied overnight, according to local sources.

     A security meeting by the community elders on Monday, July 8 was interrupted by residents reporting a daylight robbery. 

    “A resident’s home was burgled while the meeting was ongoing, which abruptly ended the session,” a community elder stated.

    Prior to these incidents, on Friday, July 5, the community mourned the loss of the ‘Iyalode’ of Iresa-Adu, further adding to the community’s distress.

    Prince Adebayo was a guest at the ‘Oyo State International Business Summit’ by Governor Seyi Makinde in London, UK on May 19, 2023. 

    Read Also: Security operatives need assistance from other groups – Minister

    During the summit, Governor Makinde emphasied the need for stakeholders and residents to contribute to developmental projects within their communities.

     “Oyo State is larger than some African countries like Gambia or Rwanda,” the Governor noted, stressing the importance of maintaining community peace to attract investors.

    Aligning with the governor’s vision, Prince Adebayo made a significant donation on July 25, 2023 at the public commissioning of the Civil Defence Area Command in Iresa-Adu. This follows his previous contributions to the Divisional Police within Surulere Local Government.

    In January 2024, the ‘Student Relief Loan’ programme was launched in Iresa-Adu. It attracted Hon Wasilat Adegoke, the Oyo Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development. 

     The programme, sponsored by Prince Adebayo through the Iresa Royal Foundation, offers loans to higher education students with flexible repayment options.

    The Iresa Royal Foundation, founded by Prince Adebayo during the global effort to tackle the effects of COVID-19 in April 2020, remains committed to the development of Iresa-Adu. More information about the foundation can be found at Iresa Royal Foundation.

    The Iresa-Adu community overwhelmingly supported Governor Seyi Makinde in the 2023 election. 

    A community spokesperson expressed appreciation for the governor’s efforts in alleviating the suffering of the less fortunate and requested more attention to Iresa-Adu in his developmental vision. “We believe in the governor’s vision for Oyo State and hope for more focus on our community,” the spokesperson added.