Kunle Adelabu
-Rolls out achievements in three years
In its quest to reposition its security arm – Local Joint Task Force (LJTF), for better performance, the Ikorodu Division Peace Initiative Limited (IDPIL) has rebranded the outfit for easy identification among local residents as ‘IDAGIRI EKUN’.
This, according to the Ikorodu Division security architecture, is also to further present the LJTF as a menace to the criminal.
The official announcement of the rebranding was part of the activities marking the third anniversary of the IDPIL, and was unveiled during the press conference in commemoration of the anniversary held at its secretariat in Ita – Elewa, Ikorodu, on Tuesday, June 11, 2024.
Sir (Otunba) Ayodele Elesho, Chairman, Publicity, Education and Enlightenment Committee of the group, addressing the members of the media and other stakeholders, revealed the need for the rebranding and also disclosed the achievements of IDPIL in the last three years of its existence.
“I am delighted to address the good people of Ikorodu Division, on this momentous occasion of IDPIL 3rd Anniversary today”, Otunba Elesho said.
“You would all recall that, the Ikorodu Division Peace Initiative Limited (IDPIL) came into being as a child of necessity in 2021, to combat the then rising waves of crime: cultism, and land – grabbing activities and others across the Division, with the full backing of the Federal and State Governments, Nigerian Police as well as all Ikorodu Division Royal Fathers and stakeholders.
“We are not unmindful of the daunting challenges that lie ahead of us as a body. In view of this, we have decided to reposition our Local Joint Task Force by rebranding it with a local name that can easily resonate with our teeming residents, particularly the locals across our inner communities.
“To this end, the IDPIL – LJTF would now also be known and called by a Yoruba name – IDAGIRI – EKUN, to further present them as a menace to the criminal elements, wherever they may be hiding in any part of Ikorodu Division.
“The choice of the animal, Black Jaguar, known as ‘Idagiri – Ekun’ in Yoruba Language, as the icon of the new IDPIL – LJTF Brand underscores the nature and character of the animal in hunting down its preys in a very tactical manner, uncommon to other predators. These unique characters are synonymous to the rebranded IDPIL – LJTF.
“Hence, when next you see the IDPIL – LJTF, you will be right to call or refer to them as IDAGIRI – EKUN. This new brand name would now reflect on their next sets of uniforms, patrol vehicles and motor cycles”, Otunba Elesho further explained.
Speaking on the operations of the IDPIL in the last three years, the Chairman of the Publicity, Education and Public Enligtenment, said that over N500million has been raised through well – meaning individuals and corporate organisations within and outside Ikorodu Division.
He said that the launch of the IDPIL – LJTF with 17 patrol vehicles, 40 motorcycles and hundreds of uniforms and other accessories, to the six IDPIL – LJTF Commands and the Nigerian Police Divisions in Ikorodu, on March 9, 2022, have yielded massive returns – on investment with reduction in cult related cases, land grabbing and armed robbery incidents due to the commendable efforts of the over 150 gallant and well – trained LJTF operatives.
Otunba Elesho listed other achievements by the IDPIL in the last three years to include regular crackdown on criminals in collaboration with the Nigerian Police Force; restoration of peace and unity to troubled communities; constant provision of critical security tip – offs to security agencies; regular drug counselling; light – up of streets in Imota to enhance security; donation of 40KVA generator and 3 split unit air conditioners to NIS Igbogbo Passport Office and hosting of the annual peace and security stakeholders’ meeting among others.
The former Commissioner also listed the recent groundbreaking of the multibillion –naira Adewunmi Ogunsanya Renal Centre at the General Hospital Ikorodu, as part of the IDPIL achievements.
Otunba Elesho, however, called for support for the IDPIL in order for all its laudable achievements to be sustained, especially combating of crimes which required absolute sustenance.
“We want assistance from the Local government and the Lagos State Government in big ways. Even from other states because we have had operations severally in Igbokin, Emure in Ogun State as criminals often escape from here (lkorodu) and hide in those communities, but we always catch them after spreading our dragnet”, he said.
“It is something that we do and after catching, we always bring them back home to prosecute them. We have assisted the Ogun State Government by reducing criminalities in that state.
“So, it is not only for Lagos State, and we will see how we can go about it to get everybody involved so that we can have enough resources to invest with its interests and commissions being enough to run the IDPIL operations”, he said.
The Executive Secretary of the IDPIL, Otunba Ganiyu Abiru, while commending donors, media and other stakeholders for their support over the years, emphasized that the body is not a political organization or in any way involved politically.
He assured stakeholders and entire residents of Ikorodu, that IDPIL will start impacting in the area of road rehabilitation.
“IDPIL is not a political organisation. We are not politically influenced and we don’t have any bias for any political party. What we are interested in is security, the welfare and well – being of our people. That is the primary purpose and objectives of the IDPIL.
“As an addendum to our vocal responsibilities as contained in our SHEER (Security, Health, Education, Environment and Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of Roads). We have not been effective in the area of rehabilitation and reconstruction of roads, but I can assure that in the ensuing years, we will begin to look into that”, he said.
Bashorun Babatunde Rotinwa, a former Head of Service, Lagos State, and chieftain of the IDPIL, called for another round of reconciliation of IDPIL with the six council areas in Ikorodu, and also enjoined that stakeholders contributes to the running of the operations of the group, especially its local security outfit that has done well within a short time.
“One of the issues that blackmailed the government in Nigeria, is security. We are lucky to have people like Adewunmi, because we have always been given bad names everywhere due to insecurity with people saying that they cannot stay here, but the IDPIL has been able to correct that impression.
“We really need to get the local government involved and I want to call on all the Kabiyesis to do a reconciliatory meeting and let us merge. Once that is properly established, we can bring on board the CDCs and CDAs because security is everybody’s business.
“We must make sure that everybody contributes something quarterly or annually. We need to educate our people and take the programme to them so that they would know what we are doing”, Bashorun Rotinwa said.
He charged royal fathers to spearhead the reconciliation with the councils.
“I will enjoin our royal fathers to invite the council chairmen to the palace. They have to come back for the reconciliation and once that is done, there would be contributions from them in their budgets”.
The former Head of Service said that trades and social life in Ikorodu, would improve drastically if the security situation is further improved upon.
Deaconess Busola Isikalu, Iyaloja General of Ikorodu Division, commended the royal fathers and the IDPIL for their impact in securing lives and properties of residents.
At the briefing were Col. Titi Onafowokan, IDPIL chieftain, Dr. Oyebo, IDPIL chieftain, traditional chiefs, CDC/CDA chieftains and other stakeholders.
