The chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Biyi Poroye, says the peaceful atmosphere in the state is due to a strong working relationship among security agencies, the state government, and community leaders.

Mr Poroye said this on Saturday in Akure while speaking with journalists on the sidelines of a dinner for security chiefs in the state.

He explained that the event was held in appreciation of the role of the security agencies in sustaining peace and security across the state.

“This is simply a night to say thank you to our security chiefs. The people of Ondo State appreciate what they have done, and we are happy with the level of peace we are witnessing today.

“I had the opportunity to speak with many of them, even though time was short, and I told them that appreciating our security chiefs should become a regular thing, not a one-off event,” he said.

The OSOPADEC chairman said the coastal communities in the state were now among the most peaceful in the region, adding that the improved security situation was encouraging investors to the state.

Mr Poroye explained that beyond the conventional security arrangements provided by federal agencies, the state government had also engaged private security outfits to support and complement the efforts of security operatives.

He cited a recent kidnapping incident in the Irele area of Ondo South Senatorial District, noting that security operatives responded swiftly and the victims were rescued.

“Although Irele is not directly within our mandate area, we immediately directed our security partners to assist, and they played a role in recovering the kidnapped persons.

“That incident showed the level of coordination we now have among security agencies. In our own mandate area, we are not experiencing that kind of security challenge,” he said.

Mr Poroye further disclosed that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had directed that Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras be installed on major public projects, including the Obe Nla Walkway and other street-light corridors, to strengthen security monitoring.

The OSOPADEC chairman, however, said the major challenges in the Southern Senatorial District were coastal erosion and sea incursion affecting communities such as Ayetoro, Awoye, Abereke, and Ajapa.

“The state government is pursuing advocacy and partnerships with donor agencies and international organisations.

“Both the state and federal government have not abandoned the affected communities and are continuing efforts to address the menace of sea incursion.

“The terrain is extensive and expensive to secure. We have settled with two security companies already, and we are profiling others because we need more hands to complement what the conventional security agencies are doing,” he said. 

(NAN)