The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Oyo State Directorate led by the Director, Mrs Ajolayo Sinmiat Akande has charged all community stakeholders to disseminate the right messages and workable solutions for national cohesion, development and unity to their followers and congregation accordingly. The meeting also saw all the concerned leaders suggesting meaningful way forward in maintain peace and order across various communities.
This development gathering for communal development was held on Thursday at the NOA conference hall in Agodi, Ibadan where all critical stakeholders including the traditional, religious, community and market leaders were all in attendance as well as sister MDAs, National Council Women Societies, Park Manager System, Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), National Youth Council and a host of other groups.
Mrs Ajolayo Akande stated “As chosen representatives of the people, it behoves you to disseminate this message to your followers or congregation accordingly for it to be impactful and result oriented. The betterment of our country, economic prosperity, peaceful coexistence, and strong social bond all require our collective efforts.
“This gathering will, therefore, offer a road map to our national cohesion, development, and unity. We can’t just pretend there will be a way forward without asking ourselves,’ Where does the rain start to beat”
The Oyo State IPAC Chairman, Otunba Ade Fagbemi explained that thuggery also exists across other states as well but laid emphasis on salient issues surrounding ethnicity and trade which always brings about conflicts and division. He also called on law enforcement agencies to be more efficient in their approach to security details and on their part they will work assiduously with politicians to control thuggery among politicians.
The Chairman of Oyo State Mobilisation Agency for Socio-Economic Development (OYMASED), Dr Morounkola Thomas, ably represented by Mrs Adetunji, appreciated all critical stakeholders and especially governor of Oyo State for doing a yeoman job in maintaining peace in the state “We however call for improved policies such as thorough resident registration to curb incidents like the Bodija explosion, Community Chiefs are also enjoined to observe proper record for all land sales in their various communities”
Baale Ekotedo, Chief Taiye Ayorinde in his goodwill message underscored the fundamental reasons behind thuggery and hooliganism. He called on the need for state police, as it will form a better understanding for communities and improved intelligence reports. He also urged the political leaders to curb habits of promoting vices such as buying liquor for youth and procuring guns and other forms of ammunition.
The Assistant Community of Police, Oyo State, Olubunmi Apapa also made clarifications that Police on their part also work deployment of staff according to local government of origin as against public perceptions. He called for unity and support between the police and community leaders as they best work together to reduce thuggery and communal clashes. He thereafter shared the 615 toll free number to the public to call during times of distress and emergencies.
The NSCDC Director, represented by Aderinola Olasedundun stressed the need for communal lifestyle where all homes come together to bring up children and impact morals. He also enlightened the public on the Agroranger initiative that has been in existence across OkeOgun, Eruwa and other towns across Oyo State.
While the Grand Imam of Ibadan represented by Mogaji Khalifat Qoseem maintained that there used to be home training in the past, he advised everyone to take care of their homes first, that love and peace has been long lost in our different homes.
Other key stakeholders who also participated in the massive town meeting include Iyaloja of Ibadanland, Alhaja Iswat Oyinlola Ameringun; Com AbdulSalam Kadiri – the Chairman, National Youth Council; Mr Akingbade Abiodun who represented Amotekun, Mallam Yusuf Bakare from the Fulani Herders etc.
