The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Honourable Adebo Edward Ogundoyin, on Tuesday, promised the state command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), that the government is poised to tackle security challenges militating against the state.
The Speaker commended the state Commandant, Augustine Padonu, for his exemplary leadership while he also lauded the commendable efforts of the security agency in the Pacesetter State.
Ogundoyin, who was with members of the Assembly’s Committee on Security and Strategy, spoke during a working visit to the command at the state headquarters at Agodi, Ibadan.
The Speaker was received by the Commandant and the management team after the inspection of the Guard of Honour mounted for him.
In his address, he stressed the pivotal role of civil defense as the closest security agency in the vicinity of the State Assembly, highlighting the significance of the corps.
The Speaker said: “The primary objective of government, which by God’s grace we all happen to be part of as the security aspect and the legislative arm of the state, is the protection of lives and property.”
Emphasising the importance of understanding the mandates and activities of NSCDC, Hon. Ogundoyin requested feedback on the Command’s progress in areas such as logistics and personnel welfare.
Other areas from which feedback is expected are the enforcement of the Anti-Open Grazing bill by the Agro-Ranger for food security, activities of legal and illegal miners, and citizen engagement in information gathering.
Responding, Commandant Padonu acknowledged the proactive approach of the state governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, in ensuring collaboration among security agencies in the state.
He provided a comprehensive explanation of the mandates of the corps and presented a detailed report on NSCDC’s activities in the areas requested by the Speaker.
The Commandant highlighted the main challenge of the corps, which revolves round logistics, including operational vehicles and the welfare of personnel at the Divisional and Area Command levels.
He called on the Speaker to ensure measures are put in place by the legislative arm to enhance the activities of the corps.
At an interactive session during which security challenges in the state were discussed, the House promised to look into them and take necessary steps.
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