….Says corps remains pillar of security in S/West
- By Demola Atobaba, Ado-Ekiti
The Ekiti State a governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has saluted the personnel of the Amotekun Corps, Anti Grazing Marshal and Agro Rangers, for their gallantry to defend the state against invaders and marauding criminals.
To make their jobs more effective and positively impactful, Governor Oyebanji urged them to operate with synergy and uphold the laws of the land for them to earn the trust of the Ekiti residents and Nigerian citizens.
The governor gave the commendations on Thursday, at the symbolic Camp Fire Night, organised by the security outfits to mark the end of the trainings for the personnel and fortify the partnerships among the agencies.
Governor Oyebanji, who spoke via the Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Gold Adesola Adedayo, at the event, said his government will devise every means to ensure the safety of the citizens, particularly funding the agencies adequately to ease their operations.
The Ekiti’s number one citizen added that his administration has invested hugely in the homegrown security networks, with the sole aim of checkmating those who wanted to make Ekiti unsafe for farmers and investors.
To reinforce their efficiencies and sense of diligence, the governor urged the personnel to foster strong working relationships with all the conventional security networks to prevent unnecessary clash of interests that could derail their focuses.
“Let me begin by conveying His Excellency’s warmest greetings and heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of you, the gallant trainees of the Agro Marshal, Amotekun Corps, and the Anti-Grazing Unit. You have shown dedication, discipline, and strength in answering the call to serve and protect.
“This administration is committed to the safety, prosperity, and dignity of Ekiti people and we are convinced that security is the bedrock upon which every form of development is built.
“This is why Governor Oyebanji has continued to invest in security architecture that is homegrown, intelligent, and community-focused. Security that reflects our values and responds directly to our realities.
“The Agro Marshal and Anti-Grazing Corps were conceived to protect the lifeblood of our rural economy, our farms and farmers. Our goal is clear: to ensure that our hardworking citizens, especially our youth and women in agriculture, can plant, harvest, and profit from their labor without fear of invasion or destruction.
“Similarly, the Amotekun Corps, as a regional security outfit, remains a strong pillar in our collective efforts across the South-West to secure our land, protect our culture, and reinforce the effectiveness of conventional security forces.
“You are not just security agents, you are ambassadors of peace, guardians of our land, and symbols of renewed hope in a safer, stronger Ekiti State”.
Speaking further, Governor Oyebanji reminded the personnel that the Ekiti citizens are counting on them for effective protection at all times, so that they can fully perform their statutory day to day businesses without fear or intimidation by men of the underworld or terror gangs.
“Let me remind you that Ekiti people are counting on you. And above all, let it remind you that you are not alone, you have the full support of this government, the confidence of the people, and the blessings of your ancestors.
“To our security partners, commanders, and trainers, thank you for your tireless service. You are helping to shape a new generation of protectors with purpose and pride.
“To the trainees, I say: go out there and make us proud. Uphold the law. Act with integrity. And never forget the reason you were chosen; to defend, to preserve, and to serve”, the governor said.
