…leads security committee to NSCDC, NIS
By Adeyinka Adeniran
The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin has called for the closure of gaps in the security architecture of the country through synergy and collaboration between the security agencies in the country.
He spoke in a remarks when he led the House Committee on Security and Strategy on a working visit to the headquarters of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) and Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
The visit, according to the Speaker, is to synergize and partner so as to foster holistic approach to security, governance and legislations in the state.
The delegation was received by the state Commandant of the NSCDC, Augustine Padonu and the state NIS Deputy Comptroller, Olusola Odesola.
Speaking at the headquarters of NSCDC, Hon. Ogundoyin acknowledged the efforts of the NSCDC towards securing the public and government infrastructure and protecting the people.
He said the Civil Defense are first point of contact of the people as far as security situation is concerned, saying that this called for the House of Assembly to encourage the agency in the course of its duties.
He maintained that the lawmakers, as the representatives of the people have the mandate to protect the people and their properties in the state through improved security architecture.
He said “There is a wide gap in the security architecture in the country, and this can be closed through collaborating efforts with other security agencies.”
Also at the Immigration headquarters, the Speaker commended the NIS in the aspect of passport application, processing and collection.
He also praised the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo for the innovation he has brought to the ministry.
Hon. Ogundoyin praised the Immigration for its compliance on collaborative effort initiative among security agencies in the state by the state Governor, Seyi Makinde.
He noted that Oyo State shares borders with other neighbouring countries, hence the need and existence of the NIS in the state to curb act of illegal immigrants.
According to him, the visit will help to know how to secure and address issues of border security and how it is affecting the Command, assuring that this will go a long way in opening the door of communication between the Command and the NIS.
The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corp (NSCDC), Augustine Padonu, in his response, noted that the inter-security relationship by Governor Seyi Makinde is a welcome development and very different from other Commands where he had served.
The Commandant stated that the main challenges facing the state Command are vehicles for movement, logistics and lack of equipment to work with.
He assured that the Command will not relent in protecting the people and their properties, securing public and government infrastructure, as well as ensuring good working relationship with other security outfits in the state.
The Deputy Comptroller of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Olusola Odesola also commended the state government for providing the necessary support to the Command.
He said that the Agency is the lead in the area of border management, saying that the borders in Nigeria are complicated in terms of management.
The Deputy Comptroller expressed that though there are challenges facing their men and officers in the course of their duties, however noted that, they are not excuses to discharge their duties accordingly.
He noted that the federal government through the Minister has brought a lots of innovation to the border security and management which will soon launched.
Speaking earlier on the purpose of the visit, Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Dawud Olalere, said the purpose was to familiarize with the NSCDC and Immigration to see how to further collaborate for improving security system in the state.
He charged the Commands and their men and officers not to relent in their efforts towards securing lives and properties of the people and borders across the state.
Members of the Committee in the delegation include Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin, Hon. Lukman Ishola, Hon. Ibrahim Shittu, Hon. Oluwafemi Fowokanmi and Hon. Rasaq Mabaje.
