The Olowo of Owo Kingdom and Paramount Ruler of Owo Land, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr) Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, has called for a collaborative path towards security consciousness in the Owo.
Oba Ogunoye made this declaration at the Community Police Security Forum in Owo, organized by the Ondo State Police Command, an initiative of the new Commissioner of Police, Mr Wilfred Olatokunbo Afolabi.
The Forum was attended by various stakeholders in Owo with expectations to find solutions to the security challenges in the kingdom, held at the Ademos Events Center along Akure Road, Owo.
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This initiative aimed to address the rising concerns around security and violence in Owo following cultists attacks and killings, so as to bring about peaceful coexistence and unity among the people of Owo.
While addressing the gathering after listening to different contributions from members of the public, Oba Ogunoye, spoke passionately about the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring safety in the society.
His Majesty declared that in every community, it is crucial that we recognize our roles as guardians of peace and security. Kabiyesi pointed out that the people must not shirk responsibility over our children in order to mold them towards being responsible members of the society. Kabiyesi admonished that the public should endeavour to report suspicious activities without fear of retribution saying, the Police is here to render assistance and support and that the kabiyesis could be equally informed about any security issue by the people to enable them take appropriate action.
His Majesty advised the youths to go back to the farm as farming is relatively beneficial when taken seriously. He added that skills should equally be acquired being very useful in society, as skills are very valuable as sources of livelihood, as not everybody can acquire university or polytechnic degree.
In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police, provided practical and actionable steps that residents could take to address security concerns and curtail violence in the kingdom.
CP Afolabi whose message echoed the sentiments of the gathered residents, many of whom were deeply concerned about the rising tide of unrest affecting their livelihood, offered a heartfelt reminder that, “violence begets violence, but dialogue begets understanding”.
The Commissioner encouraged citizens to view the Police Force not just as an authority, but as partner in progress in the area of curbing criminal tendencies.
The Ondo State Police boss, highlighted the power of non-violent conflict resolution by understanding each other’s perspectives which would always prevent many misunderstandings from escalating.
Earlier in the day, the Police commissioner, Mr. Wilfred Olatokunbo Afolabi paid a courtesy call on His Majesty to brief him on this new initiative of crime prevention in the kingdom and Ondo State at large.
The Police Commissioner was accompanied by Senior Officers from the State Command and Owo/Ose Area Commands.
