The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Assistant Inspector General of Police incharge of Zone 2, AIG Ahmed Iliyasu psc+, AIG Folawiyo who represented the Inspector General of Police, IGP Muhammed Adamu, Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Kenneth Ebrimson, Ogun State Controller of Customs, Comptroller Agbara, TRACE State Commandant, Seni Ogunyemi, Ogun So-Safe State Commander, Soji Ganzallo and other security agencies in the State, Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) National Vice Chairman incharge of Southwest, Alhaji Ibrahim Olaniyan and Ogun PCRC Chairman, Architect Samson Popoola and other relevants stakeholders.
The governor, in his address, disclosed that the job of the Police is squarely community-oriented and could only be achieved with a synergy of the Police as an institution and the people.
He therefore commended the initiative of the Inspector-General of Police, Muhammed Adamu, in his wisdom to promote community policing in the society.
Abiodun said: "Community Policing, which started gaining currency in Nigeria, a few years ago, is policing that puts people at the centre, as partners and stakeholders, in crime fighting and crime related challenges. Rather than “their police”, Community Policing becomes “our police”. It is cheaper, more effective and efficient, and certainly proactive in preventing crimes rather than chasing after criminals.
"It is gratifying to note that the Nigeria Police is increasingly committed to finding lasting solutions to the unpalatable threats to life, property and business.
"If we need to go on memory lane, our erstwhile colonial master saw itself as a master over the people and entrenched a brutal, oppressive and domineering police force policy that distanced the institution from the people".
Gov Abiodun stated that the Police was used by the powers-that-be as veritable instruments of oppression, coercion, and intimidation of perceived opponents and enemies, adding that it was not a people’s Police.
The governor was of the opinion that democratic dispensation demands a people-friendly and people-oriented Police service, which is in vogue with what is attainable in most parts of the developed world.
According to him, it is on record that Police authorities have made very positive efforts to improve the relationship between the Police and the people, hence the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) was constituted in almost all Police Divisional formations in the country.
"I am happy that we are witnessing today another remarkable determination of the Inspector-General of Police and his men to ensure that not only peace and orderliness prevail in the country, but in a humane and community-centred atmosphere.
"This becomes glaring with the authority’s adoption of the principle and core values of community policing. I am optimistic that the Police hierarchy will continue to empower and motivate its personnel to work for the common good of the society and thus endear itself to the hearts of the people. The time is now set for the actualization of the popular slogan, Police Is Your Friend", Abiodun stated.
"In line with our Public Private Partnership approach and recognition that government alone cannot fund security, we launched and amended the law establishing the Ogun State Security Trust Fund, including the composition of the Fund to make it private sector led. This has reinforced the confidence of the private sector in the management of the fund and engendered support".
"We purchased and distributed 100 security vehicles and 200 motorcycles fitted with state-of-the-art gadgets".
"Today, our state is one of the safest states in Nigeria. This is affirmed by the Inspector-General of Police, Muhammed Adamu, on his visit on 6th September, 2019 to our state".
"We have also collaborated with other South West States to establish a community-based security outfit called “Amotekun”, that came into existence through a law passed by the State House of Assembly. I believe that the “Amotekun” outfit will complement this Community Policing initiative".
"Let me inform the Inspector-General of Police and his able lieutenants that Ogun State is proud to be amongst the pilot States for the implementation of the laudable community policing project".
"We are grateful that our hand of fellowship is being reciprocated in this grand way. We are pleased with the result obtained so far from the programme".
The governor said he was looking forward to a harmonious relationship and partnership between all the security agencies, on one hand, and the public, on the other. The Police leadership to intensify efforts at a total reform of the Police Service, which will be a pride to all and sundry, so that an indelible footprints in the sands of time would be left.
Gov Abiodun lauded the respect for human rights that is a major component of the programme, adding that he welcome the openness, the accountability and the transparency that are hallmarks of community policing.
However, the Governor commended the desire of the Police to partner with the government and various communities in the state, stating that there is no alternative to a proactive, dynamic and intelligence-led Police Force.
Dapo urged every one to embrace the initiative, become stakeholders in the course of peace and security and join the Police in ensuring a better service to the society.
The governor also thanked the security agencies for their commitment and efforts in ensuring that the people comply with the COVID-19 guidelines.
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