Ogun PS advises So-Safe Corps to be vigilant in tackling security challenges

The Permanent Secretary in the Ogun State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr. Rotimiolu Akinlesi, has urged officers of the State Community, Social Orientation, and Safety Corps (So-Safe Corps) to effectively apply the knowledge and skills gained during their recent capacity-building programme to strengthen security efforts across the state.

Dr. Akinlesi gave the charge during the closing ceremony of a three-week field training held at the So-Safe Corps Academy in Ilaro, Yewa South Local Government Area. Themed “Community-Based Security Interventions: Challenges, Opportunities, and Best Practices,” the programme aimed to equip officers with modern strategies for addressing evolving security threats.

Emphasizing the importance of keeping pace with current security trends, Dr. Akinlesi commended the So-Safe Corps leadership for its commitment to continuous training and retraining of personnel. He noted that such initiatives are critical to enhancing the corps’ capacity to meet the state’s diverse security needs.

“I commend your active participation in this programme. Your dedication to service is evident, and the Ministry recognises your efforts. We are working toward integrating So-Safe Corps personnel into the Ogun State Civil Service — a goal that, by God’s grace, will materialise soon. Keep up your commendable service to humanity and uphold the values of diligence and prayer,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary also expressed gratitude to Governor Dapo Abiodun for his unwavering support in fostering peace and improving the working conditions of So-Safe Corps officers.

He further acknowledged the collaboration between the So-Safe Corps and the Nigeria Police Force, appreciating the support of the State Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, represented by ACP Bamidele Job, the Area Commander of Ilaro. He praised their efforts in enhancing synergy between both agencies to more effectively combat crime.

In his remarks, the Commander of the So-Safe Corps, Commander Soji Ganzallo, stated that the continuous training of officers at the Corps Academy would significantly boost operational strategies aimed at combating crime statewide. He revealed that the recent training was conducted in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and internal security experts.

Commander Ganzallo further explained that the programme was designed to provide officers with hands-on knowledge of community-based security interventions, thereby improving their effectiveness in service delivery. He reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to supporting government efforts in maintaining peace and public safety, in line with the “Building Our Future Together” agenda of the Ogun State Government.

Also speaking, two participants — Superintendent of Corps Aron Murina, Divisional Officer of Yotomi Division under the Owode-Egba Zonal Command, and Oseni Ronke, Public Relations Officer of the Oba Area Command — expressed appreciation to the So-Safe Corps leadership for organising the impactful training. They pledged to apply the knowledge gained in their daily operations to enhance service delivery.