Kunle Adelabu
Traditional rulers in Ikorodu Division on Tuesday, December 20,2022, joined the chieftains of the Ikorodu Division Peace Limited (IDPIL/GTE) in celebrating the Local Security Joint Task Force (LJTF) operatives, in recognition of their efforts in ensuring peace and tranquility in the Division.
At the event, which was held at the Regal Hall, Olu – Odo, Igbogbo, Igbogbo/Bayeku Local Development Area (LCDA) of Ikorodu Division, Lagos State, Southwest, the activities of the LJTF operatives were commended by royal fathers and others.
The gathering also featured the presentation of the scorecard of the Local Joint Taskforce in one year.
Otunba Ganiyu Olusegun Abiru, the Executive Secretary, IDPIL/GTE, speaking at the event tagged, ‘Christmas & New Year Party for Gallant Security Operatives’, said that the establishment of the security has assisted Ikorodu Division in combating insecurity and has received commendations from all and sundry.
“Since we started the IDPIL in Ikorodu, it is only the people that are not staying here that will say that there is no improvement in our security situation. You have done marvelously well. Everybody, both at home and abroad, are praising you. We have people willing to support because of what we are doing and for more developments to come to Ikorodu”, Otunba Abiru said.
“To further encourage you, we have paid your salaries till this December.
“Today is not for speech making, but a day to let you know that we, at the IDPIL, really appreciate you, and we want to implore you to work within the guidelines, and not exceed your bound”, he said.
The IDPIL Secretary also reiterated that the operatives should not see themselves as alternatives to the Police.
“We have always said that IDPIL/GTE LJTF is not an alternative to the Nigerian Police Force. We are just to complement them; do some underground work and assist the police in discharging their functions effectively and effectively”, Otunba Abiru said.
The Ayangbure of Ikorodu, Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, in his royal remarks, thanked chieftains of the IDPIL and their operatives for the effective policing of the division.
“I thank our Executive Secretary (Otunba Ganiyu Abiru), the engine room of the IDPIL, also the Agbaakin (Sir Ayodele Elesho) who has been managing the media arm of the organization; Hon. Adebimpe Akinsola, the Olu Omo of Igbogbo and every other member of the group”, the royal father commended.
“I also want to specially thank the Commandant for his patience and dedication. He is a good leader who is showing it by examples which I am seeing.
“Also, I want to thank my Comrades, the officers and men of the LJTF. When I came into the hall and saw the beautiful ceremonial uniform that you wore, I love it and I am happy that you feel proud of what you are doing. I want to implore you to let people continue to see in you total dedication and commitment to the job. I want you to go about duty in good conscience.
“Since the commencement of this peace initiative, I have not heard of any complaint from any community under me. Everybody welcomes the idea and goes along it”, Oba Shotobi said.
The royal father also assured the IDPIL operatives that they have the full backing of the entire traditional rulers in Ikorodu Division, the law and the government.
“I want to allay your fears. The government is in the know of what we are doing and fully in support of it. The place assigned as the secretariat of the IDPIL was donated by the Lagos State Government to prove to you that the government is fully with us”, he assured them.
“Before we sent you on training, we also got approval from the Inspector General of Police and the registration of the IDPIL/GTE was done with the CAC. It is a registered organization, and before we started the full operation, myself and the Odofin of Ikorodu, Odofin Adewunmi Ogunsanya, went to see the governor and we agreed on it. So, don’t be afraid of anything.
“Your Commandant is also recognized by the Lagos State Government, and they always involved him in some of the operations in this axis”, Ayangbure of Ikorodu added.
He, therefore, charged them to rejoice and enjoy themselves for they have performed very well.
“For what we are gathered here to do, rejoice and let us raise our voice and look up to God to continue to show us the path. It is the same God that has been protecting you and in return, you are safeguarding lives and properties. We are here to rejoice, eat, drink and dance for we have had a good year”.
Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, the Adeboruwa of lgbogbo, in his own remarks, said that he’s fully committed to the success of the LJTF and also agreed that there is need for synergy with other security agencies.
He also suggested that the IDPIL/GTE should operate a functional legal department, and also offered his service as a lawyer to assist the organisation’s attorney whenever he or she is appointed.
He charged the operatives to always inform the Divisional Police Officer (DPOs) in areas that they are going for operation for necessary support.
Also speaking, the Agbaakin of Ikorodu Kingdom, Sir (Otunba) Ayodele Elesho, thanked traditional rulers in the division for their intervention in resolving the challenges of the establishment, especially with the council chairmen.
Sir Elesho, who expressed assurance that the whole issue will be amicably settled, also stated that he has had meetings with tge Chairman of Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA and other stakeholders.
Like the royal fathers and others, the Agbaakin of Ikorodu Kingdom also charged operatives of the IDPIL to be patient and go about their operations within the confine of the law.
The event also featured a brief interactive session during which some of the operatives thanked the royal fathers and the IDPIL for their support.
It was indeed a memorable and funfilled outing as the Ayangbure and other traditional rulers as well as dignitaries had a good time relating and dancing with the local security operatives while the Disc Jockey (DJ) contracted, dished out various songs that ensured there was no dull moment all through.
Also, there were more than enough delicacies food and assorted drinks to go round those in attendance.
