We are committed to maximum protection of lives, properties – Gov Akeredolu

Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has reiterated the commitment of his administration to protection of lives and properties in the state. Governor Akeredolu said it’s also expedient to put in place necessary security architecture that would enhance all-round development of the state and protect the citizen and investors operating in the state. The Governor spoke at the opening of the first Ondo State Security Summit held at the International Culture and Events Center (DOME) on Thursday in Akure, the Ondo State capital. He stressed that his administration is embarking on programmes of massive infrastructural development aimed at creating an enabling environment which will transform the state into an industrial hub. “There exists also a huge potential of making our State a preferred tourist destination. We have also demonstrated, in practical terms, our intention to reclaim our place of pride in the field of agriculture. “The indices of development in this sector are very encouraging. Our efforts to transform the coastal belt of the State, through the development of a Deep Sea Port, as well as the on-going road project from Lekki, Lagos State, across the costal belt to Igbokoda are all projected towards attracting capital and human inflow to the State.” Akeredolu who said the summit, with the theme: “Improving the Security Architecture of Ondo State for Sustainable Peace and Development”, was aptly captured, in order to herald the desired change in the security framework of the state. The Governor disclosed that his administration is donating vehicles for the security agencies in the state so as to enhance their job of protecting lives and properties of the people. “As a Government, we are aware of the onerous responsibilities of leadership in this regard. We are committed, keenly, to maximum protection of lives and properties in the state. “We possess sufficient understanding to appreciate that there can be no development without peace achieved through a sustainable programme of securing lives and property. “Government in the State has always been providing all it takes to ensure the security of lives and property. The current realities establish, clearly, the near – impossibility of total reliance on the Government to achieve this lofty objective. “The provision of adequate security is capital intensive and, consequently, we need to involve all well-meaning individuals to ensure that the environment is free of crime. The lead speaker, Prof. Femi Odekunle commended the state government for the convocation of the summit in apparent response to recent spikes in new patterns of criminality in the state. He noted that there is an indisputable relationship between security and development, adding that the planning for security must be seen and treated as part and parcel of planning development. Prof. Odekunle said “Fortunately, except for the recent upsurge in certain types of crime in the state, Ondo State cannot at present be regarded as” High-crime” or strife – torn. “So, the state has the temporal opportunity and advantage to plan for the enhancement of the security of her citizens. Graduation into the” high-crime” category can only sabotage her development efforts. The foresight of today is the advantage of tomorrow.” Adewale Momoh, Akure