By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
In a renewed effort to enhance community safety and tackle social vices at the grassroots, the Oyo State Government has inaugurated a new Vigilante Committee comprising ten State Coordinators and thirty-three Local Government Commanders. The initiative, under the auspices of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Social Inclusion, was unveiled during a formal swearing-in ceremony held at the Local Government Staff Training Centre, Secretariat, Ibadan.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Women’s Affairs and Social Inclusion, Hon. Mrs. Toyin Balogun, said the inauguration was a critical step in strengthening the state’s security architecture through community-led engagement.
“True security goes beyond patrols and checkpoints,” she remarked. “It involves building trust within communities and addressing the root causes of social unrest. That is what this initiative seeks to accomplish.”
Hon. Balogun further emphasized the importance of gender sensitivity in security operations. She urged the newly inaugurated officers to work closely with women-focused and social groups to fight domestic violence, human trafficking, child abuse, and other pressing issues affecting vulnerable populations across the state.
Reiterating the government’s full support, she noted that the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde remains committed to building the capacity of the committee and boosting morale through consistent support and collaboration.
In her address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. (Mrs.) Mofoluwake Ibitoye, underscored that sustainable security must be rooted in fairness and justice. She called on the appointees to serve with integrity, vigilance, and leadership that prioritizes the wellbeing of the people.
The newly sworn-in Commandant of the committee, Alhaji Olabanji Abiodun, expressed his gratitude to the government, the governor, and the Ministry for their confidence and support. He pledged that the committee would uphold its mandate with dedication and work tirelessly to ensure peace and order at the local level.
The event drew a diverse audience including top government officials, representatives of traditional institutions, security agencies, and civil society organizations, all of whom commended the state’s commitment to inclusive and community-driven security strategies.
This development adds to Governor Makinde’s broader agenda under Omotuntun 2.0, which seeks to consolidate good governance, safety, and social justice across Oyo State.
Newspot Nigeria was on ground to cover the full event and reaffirms its commitment to highlighting initiatives that promote peace, security, and inclusive governance in Nigeria.
FULL STATEMENT BELOW:
Press Release
Oyo Govt Inaugurates Vigilante Committee
The Oyo State Government, through the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Social Inclusion, has sworn in Ten (10) State Coordinators and Thirty -Three (33) Local Government Commanders to enhance the Security architecture of the State.
While administering the oath of office and swearing in of the committee members at the Local Government Staff Training Centre, Secretariat Ibadan, Commissioner for the Ministry, Mrs. Toyin Balogun said that the event became necessary to enhance grass root security towards fostering community-based security across the 33 local government areas of the State.
She advised the new officers to understand that true security extends beyond patrols and checkpoints, stressing the importance of building trust within communities and addressing the root causes of social unrest.
Hon. Balogun urged the committee to incorporate gender sensitivity in their engagements and collaborate actively with social and women-focused groups to tackle domestic violence, human trafficking, child abuse, and other societal vices.
She explained that the Makinde-led administration remains committed to supporting the committee through capacity building and moral encouragement.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. (Mrs.) Mofoluwake Ibitoye, emphasized that security is anchored on equity and justice.
She charged the newly appointed officers to demonstrate quality leadership, uphold integrity, and remain vigilant in the discharge of their duties.
In his acceptance speech, the Commandant of the committee, Alhaji Olabanji Abiodun, expressed profound gratitude to the Oyo State Government, the Governor, and the Ministry for their continued support.
He pledged that the committee would uphold its mandate and work assiduously to improve safety and order at the local level.
The ceremony was attended by key government officials, representatives of security agencies, traditional leaders, and stakeholders from civil society groups.
E-signed:
Prince Dotun Oyelade,
Commissioner for Information and Orientation,
Oyo State.
July 8, 2025.
