By Sunday Oguntuyi, Osogbo
The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Osun State on Tuesday handed over 30 operational vehicles to various security agencies in the state as part of efforts to strengthen security operations and enhance rapid response across communities.
The presentation ceremony, held in Osogbo, brought together representatives of security agencies and local government chairmen, who reaffirmed their commitment to supporting grassroots governance through initiatives aimed at promoting peace, safety and sustainable development.
Benefiting agencies include the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Department of State Services (DSS), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Federal Fire Service and the Nigerian Correctional Service.
Speaking at the event, the Osun ALGON Chairman, Hon. Samuel Idowu Abiodun, said the initiative was a direct outcome of increased local government autonomy and a demonstration of the councils’ commitment to improving security infrastructure at the grassroots.
According to him, the vehicles would significantly enhance mobility, improve response time and enable security agencies to adopt more proactive measures in addressing security challenges.
“This event is not just about the handing over of vehicles; it is a clear demonstration of our commitment to the safety, security and well-being of our people,” Abiodun said.
He stressed that security remained the foundation of meaningful development, noting that no society could thrive without peace and stability.
“We understand the peculiar security challenges within our communities and are determined to support all necessary efforts to address them effectively,” he added.
Abiodun also commended security agencies for their swift response in curbing kidnapping incidents in Ifedayo Local Government Area, particularly in Ora-Igbomina, and praised their dedication and professionalism.
He said the success of the initiative reflected the benefits of local government autonomy, which he described as critical to responsive and people-oriented governance.
“Autonomy enables us to act without undue delays and design solutions tailored to local realities,” he said. “This initiative is a testament to what can be achieved when governance is brought closer to the grassroots.”
Also speaking, the Osun State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, described the donation as a major boost to the state’s security architecture.
He said the vehicles would improve operational efficiency, strengthen surveillance, enhance visibility policing and ensure faster response to distress calls.
“This gesture demonstrates a strong commitment to the safety and well-being of residents of Osun State,” Gotan said.
He commended the council chairmen for their support, noting that logistics and mobility remain critical to effective policing.
The police commissioner also urged other stakeholders, organisations and individuals to emulate the initiative in order to strengthen security across the state.