The governor of Oyo State, Engr. ‘Seyi Makinde, stated on Tuesday that the state’s consistent security is a result of the Nigerian Army’s cooperation with the local government and populace.
The governor praised the Army for maintaining professionalism while doing its duties, particularly during national tasks, and promised that his administration will keep its good relations with the Army.
The new Chief of Army Staff, Major-General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, paid a courtesy call to Governor Makinde’s office at the Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, according to a release signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Oyo State, Sulaimon Olanrewaju.
The governor asserts that the professionalism shown by the officers manning polling stations during the 2019 governorship election cannot be overstated and claims that, but for the Army’s impartial attitude, he would not have been re-elected in 2023.
Governor Makinde said: “I am thankful to the Nigerian Army, especially the 2nd Division in Ibadan. I couldn’t have become the governor if not for the professionalism of the Nigerian Army. I also wouldn’t have been reelected if they had been partial.”
The governor noted that Oyo State has continued to be a stable state in terms of security due to the commitment and cooperation of the Army with the people of the state while congratulating the Chief of Army Staff on his elevation and the troops on the occasion of the Army’s 160th anniversary, which is scheduled for Ibadan.
While thanking the organization’s leadership for holding the anniversary celebration in Oyo State, he vowed to maintain a cordial connection between the Army and the Oyo State government. He also urged them to expand the event’s activities outside the barracks.
“We are glad that you brought the celebration to Ibadan. In South-West Nigeria, Oyo State actually is the biggest in terms of land mass.
“We will play our part and contribute to the activities of the Nigerian Army in the state and deepen the cooperation for mutually beneficial activities.
“The present situation and hike in fuel price are affecting our economy; if your teams are to be on full patrol you know what the cost of petrol will be. But we encourage the leadership of the Nigerian Army and Senior Officers not to be discouraged but to be focused.”
Major-General Lagbaja had earlier claimed that the visit had become necessary for the Nigerian Army to inform the governor of its 160th-anniversary celebrations taking place in the state.
In order to further secure peace and stability in the state of Oyo and beyond, the 23rd Chief of Army Staff promised to work with the state’s leadership.
He also praised the governor for his numerous initiatives and the assistance given to the troops stationed all around the state.
Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, the governor’s chief of staff, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, the Head of Service for Oyo State, and CP Sunday Odukoya (retd), the governor’s executive assistant for security matters, were all in attendance.
Others were Director-General, Operation Burst, Col. James Ajibola Oladipo (retd); and Commandant, Western Nigerian Security Network, Amotekun, Oyo State, Col. Olayinka Olayanju (retd).
