Ikorodu Division of Lagos State made history yesterday, 9th March, with the Launching and Unveiling of the Ikorodu Division Peace Initiative Local Joint Task Force, a first-of-its-kind community sponsored security arrangement.
The IDPIL-LJTF,. according to Odofin Adewunmi Ogunsanya, SAN Chairman of the IDPIL Board of Trustees, the IDPIL was a culmination of months of brainstorming and strategizing among key Ikorodu stakeholders of Ikorodu Division towards finding a lasting solution to the spate of insecurity being witnessed in parts of the communities in recent time.
‘We were left with no other option than to take proactive steps, towards stemming this negative tide by engaging both native intelligence and scientific approach which gave birth to the Ikorodu Division Peace Initiative which we are formally unveiling today’, he said.
Speaking further, he added that, ‘it was high time security was seen as a collective responsibility of all stakeholders and, hence should not be left for the governnent alone. I am glad and proud to state that, Ikorodu Division has blazed the trail by being the first among the five (5) Divisions of Lagos State to embark on this well structured community sponsored security arrangement, aimed at complimenting the Lagos State government’s efforts towards the security of the entire State’.
He concluded by stressing that, the newly launched IDPIL JTF was not in competition with the Nigeria Police and other statutory security agencies, clarifying that the body was a partner-in-progress to existing security agencies.
Giving insight into the activities of the IDPILG, the Executive Secretary of IDPILG, Otunba Ganiyu Olusegun Abiru said, ‘It is apposite to state that, with the approval of the Inspector-General of Police, fifty (50) of our security operatives had the opportunity and privilege in undergoing security training programme at the highly rated and prestigious lkeja Police College. On their return and with their exposure, knowledge and professionalism, they were able to train the remaining 150 of their colleagues, with minimum cost to the organization’.
‘Now, IDPILG can proudly boast of 200 well trained local security personnel who are capable of complimenting the regular security agencies in the discharge of their constitutional duties of protecting our communities,” Otunba Abiru noted.
He added that, ‘For easy administration and efficient operation of the whole security operatives and following the existing local policing, Government/ Local Council Development area structure, the lkorodu Division Joint Task Force was sub divided into six zones with operational heads. The Zones are thus categorized namely: Zone 1, lkorodu Central, Zone 2, Ikorodu West LCDA, Zone 3, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Zone 4, ljede LCDA, Zone 5, Imota LCDA, Zone 6, lkorodu North LCDA’.
In his brief remarks, the Chairman, Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Mr Durosinmi Etti, who was represented by Mr Adegbola Lewis advised on the need to ensure maintenance of the IDPILG patrol vehicles and other gadgets as this was also as important as procuring them.
Speaking on behalf of all the Royal fathers in Ikorodu Division, His Royal Majesty, Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, Ayangburen of Ikorodu expressed his joy that the IDPILG has now become a reality. He also commended all stakeholders for supporting the Initiative.
“I have to commend everybody for their contributions towards curtailing crime in our community’.
Oba Shotobi expressed gratitude to God for making the Launching and Unveiling of the LJTF a reality, after months of brainstorming and strategizing among royal fathers in the Division, with the consensus for the appointment of Odofin Adewunmi Ogunsanya, SAN as the BOT Chairman.
Oba Shotobi, Oba Ajibade Agoro and Oba Semiudeen Kasali all poured encomiums on Odofin Ogunsanya and the IDPIL Committees for a successful launch.
The Ayangburen also announced that the IDPIL would be moving towards intervening in other sectors apart from security in a matter of months. This announcement was greeted with applause from excited attendees.
‘As part of efforts to develop this Division, the committee has also decided to develop education sector by acquiring 15 acres of land for a first-class school in the Division. The school will be a comprehensive school with facilities for vocational training for the youths’, he revealed.
Oba AbdulSemiu Orimadegun Kasali, Adeboruwa of Igbogbo and Oba Mudashiru Ajibade Bakare Agoro, Ranodu of Imota, commended Chief Adewunmi Ogunsanya SAN and other members of the IDPILG for the job well done and for writing their names in gold in the annals of Ikorodu Division history.
A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of the IDPIL logo by Mr Babatunde Folawiyo, CEO, Folawiyo Group of Companies, who was the Chairman of the Day.
In his brief remarks, Folawiyo charged all Sons and Daughters of Ikorodu Division to embrace the novel community initiative, stating that no amount of investment in education, health and other sectors can be fruitful without a peaceful and secured environment.
Other notable dignitaries in attendance were His Royal Majesties, Oba AbdulAkeem Adeoriyomi Oyebo, Obateru of Egbin Kingdom, Oba Richard Abayomi Ogunsanya, Olubeshe of Ibeshe, Oba Bashir Aremu Sotomiwa, Sekumade of Ipakodo, Oba Olukayode Raji, Eweye of Isiu, and Chiefs and Baales across Ikorodu Division.
The unveiling ceremony was graced by, Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru of Lagos East Senatorial, represented by Dr. Saheed Ibikunle, Rep. Babajimi Adegoke Benson, MHR, ably represented, Hon. SOB Agunbiade, ML, Sen. Adeseye Ogunlewe, Prof. Kunle Ade Wahab, Engr. HOB Lawal and Alhaji Olawale Amusa, CEO Homat Group of Schools and President, Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) Lagos State.
Others are Engr. Kunle Oduborisa, Asipa Kaoli Olusanya, Hon. Adebimpe Akinsola, Otunba Ayodele Elesho and Omo’ba Peju Akinyemi, Founder & CEO Ikorodu Oga Radio who anchored the event, among other dignitaries.
