Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Honourable Adebo Edward Ogundoyin, alongside the Members of the Committee on Security and Strategy, embarked on a working visit to the State Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Oyo State Command, Commandant Augustine Padonu, at the State Headquarters in Agodi, Ibadan this morning.
The visit commenced with the inspection of the Guard of Honour, followed by a warm reception of the Rt. Honourable Speaker and the committee members by the State Commandant and the management team.
During his address, the Rt. Honourable Speaker commended the State Commandant for his exemplary leadership in the State Command and lauded the commendable efforts of NSCDC in Oyo State. He emphasized the pivotal role of the civil defence as the closest security agency in the vicinity of the State Assembly, highlighting the significance of the corps.
“The primary objective of government, which by God’s grace we all happen to be part of – you from the security aspect and we from the legislative arm of the State – is the protection of lives and property,” stated the Rt. Honourable Speaker. He further expressed the purpose of their visit, emphasizing the importance of understanding the mandates and activities of NSCDC.
The Speaker requested feedback on the Command’s progress in areas such as logistics, personnel welfare, enforcement of the Anti-Open Grazing bill by the Agro-Ranger for food security, activities of legal and illegal miners, and citizen engagement in information gathering.
In response, Commandant Augustine Padonu welcomed the Rt. Honourable Speaker and the Committee Members, acknowledging the proactive approach of the State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, in ensuring collaboration among security agencies in the State. He provided a comprehensive explanation of the mandates of the corps and presented a detailed report on NSCDC’s activities in security, Agro-Ranger, and mining operations in the State among others as requested by the Rt Honourable Speaker.
The Commandant highlighted the main challenge of the corps, which revolves around logistics, including operational vehicles and the welfare of personnel at the Divisional and Area Command levels. He called on the Speaker to ensure measures are put in place by the legislative arm to enhance the activities of the corps.
An interactive session ensued, allowing for in-depth discussions between the Members and the Management team to address various security challenges in the State and seek lasting solutions. He House promised to look into the challenges and take necessary steps.
The visit exemplified the commitment of the Oyo State House of Assembly and NSCDC to fostering collaboration and synergy in ensuring the safety and well-being of the citizens of Oyo State.