In a bid to tackle escalating security concerns, the ancient town of Owo hosted a high-level Security Summit aimed at fostering safety and resilience. The summit, organized by the Chairman of Owo Local Government Area, Hon. Tope Omolayo, brought together government officials, security experts, and community leaders to discuss urgent security challenges such as kidnapping, cultism, and youth radicalization.
Speaking at the event, the Special Assistant to the Ondo State Governor on Emergency Response, Hon. (Prince) Wellington Oriade Adebawo, reaffirmed Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to ensuring the security of all residents in Ondo State. He emphasized the administration’s proactive strategies to combat insecurity, enhance intelligence gathering, and strengthen community policing.
Strengthening Community Safety: Prince Oriade Wellington Adebawo Emphasizes Proactive Security Measures at Owo Security Summit
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Taslim Ayobami Hammed, former Director of the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Ibadan, highlighted the importance of peace education and community engagement as key tools in preventing violence and social unrest.
Representing Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Hon. Gbenga Atiba, Senior Special Assistant on Security Matters, stressed the government’s determination to fortify security infrastructure while promoting collaborative policing strategies.
The summit featured insightful presentations by security experts and community leaders, who provided actionable recommendations for crime prevention and intelligence gathering:
Rotarian Akande Tunde Davies spoke on the importance of community policing and citizen engagement, advocating for grassroots involvement in crime prevention.
Chief Kunle Ajanaku analyzed the rise of kidnapping and ransom demands, urging stronger intelligence networks and community vigilance.
Professor Taiwo Adenegan discussed cultism and youth radicalization, proposing educational reforms and skill empowerment programs to prevent recruitment into criminal groups.
Engineer Lekan Akande emphasized the role of intelligence gathering and information sharing, highlighting how coordinated efforts can preempt security threats.
Additionally, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Emergency Response underscored the importance of establishing a Security Trust Fund to ensure sustainable financial support for security measures.
The event witnessed the participation of prominent religious and traditional leaders, reinforcing the need for collective action:
Pastor Benjamin Olayinka, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Owo Chapter.
Pastor Olugbenga Olumolawa, Chairman of the Summit Planning Committee.
Hon. Tope Omolayo, Chairman of Owo Local Government Area.
Alhaji Sheikh Ahmad Aladesawe, Chief Imam of Owo.
Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, the Olowo of Owo, who provided royal blessings and emphasized unity as a pillar of security progress.
The security summit aims to achieve the following outcomes:
Enhanced security measures leading to a reduction in crime rates and improved public safety.
Increased community involvement in security initiatives to foster a collective approach.
Empowerment of youths through education and skill development, reducing crime vulnerability.
Strengthened intelligence-sharing frameworks to improve crime prevention.
Creation of a Security Trust Fund to ensure long-term financial investment in safety programs.
The Owo Security Summit signifies a major step toward building a more secure and resilient community through government action, expert recommendations, and grassroots engagement. With strengthened security collaborations and proactive initiatives, Owo aims to become a model for effective crime prevention and community-led resilience strategies
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