The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, on Tuesday inaugurated the Ibadan Community Guard, a grassroots security initiative designed to collaborate with state security agencies.

According to the monarch, the community guard was established to strengthen surveillance and ensure effective policing across the 11 local government areas of Ibadanland.

The event, held at the Palace of the Olubadan, marked a significant step toward enhancing community-based security architecture in response to prevailing challenges in parts of the ancient city.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Olubadan emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in safeguarding lives and property.

He noted that the community guard would be strategically deployed across the 11 LGAs to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies.

 The event also featured the official unveiling of “Garri Ibadan”, an economic and food-security initiative led by the Ibadan Economic Investment and Business Development Desk in collaboration with the Ibadan Food Security Initiative.

The aim was to promote local production, boost economic growth, and ensure food sustainability within the metropolis.

 Dignitaries at the event were members of the Olubadan-in-Council, the former Minister of Industry and Iyalaje Iyalode of Ibadanland, Chief Onikepo Akande, and Sen. Sharafadeen Alli.

Others are CP. Fatai Owoseni,  and the President-General of the Central Council of Ibadanland, Ajeniyi Ajewole.

(NAN)