The Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, and Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, ably represented by Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG Abdulmajid Ali, on Wednesday, kicked off the celebration of his administration’s first year in office with the inauguration of Police Mobile Squadron in Ago-Are.

The governor, who spoke during the inauguration, said that the success of his administration is attributable to the efficient management of the resources of the state.

He added that the government has gained a lot of mileage because it cut wastage of resources.

Makinde stated that his administration remained committed to ensuring the safety and security of lives and property of the citizens of the state.

The governor, while speaking at Ago-Are, appreciated traditional institutions, elders and leaders of Ago-Are for their support, even as he commended the officers of the Squadron for the positive testimonies he has so far heard about them, urging them to be efficient in the discharge of their duties.

He added that his government will ensure the speedy completion of the permanent site for the Unit.

The governor said: “I am glad that we are together today, to officially commence the operations of PMF 72. How did we give birth to the Squadron? I made a request on the 19th of August, 2019 to the Inspector General of Police, which was less than 3 months after we came into office, because security is one of the pillars of this administration.

“As I have always stated, the safety and security of lives and properties of the people of Oyo state is a top priority for this administration. It took me and the entourage about two hours to get here. And if we are to go to Kisi, it would take another two to three hours from here to get there. That is how vast Oyo State is. Oyo state is bigger than some countries in Africa. To cover the entire state, of course, we need personnel, logistics, and agile police mobile force and that is why we have PMF 72.

“From all the technical evaluation that was done, Ago-Are in the Oke-Ogun axis of Oyo State became the choice. I want to thank you, Kabiyesi. Kabiyesi just mentioned in his speech now and I have seen the site for the permanent location of this squadron. He donated a 1km by 1km site and I give you the commitment of the government of Oyo state to speedily ensure that this place is well-developed, because the welfare of the squadron is very important.

“Let me also emphasise that, for this administration, there is a very strong commitment to security and we would do everything within our power to ensure that our people go about their businesses in a safe and secure environment. The rehabilitation of this temporary site was done in record time and I thank everyone including the commander of this squadron for the work that you did to ensure that this is completed speedily and made habitable.”

The governor added that his administration would commit more resources to ensure security in the state, stating that apart from the six Hilux trucks being presented to the PMF 72 Squadron in addition to the two initially given to them, the government would also give motorcycles and ensure that the logistics for its operation is well-developed.

“I cannot end this address without charging you the officers to be efficient in the discharge of your duties. And why did I harp on efficiency? This is because when we came in, the naysayers said, within six months, they would probably be stoning us. But now, it is going to be one year in a matter of two days but the people are not stoning us. It is because we have decided to manage the resources of the state efficiently. The resources are limited but when wastages are cut and you are efficient, with that limited resources, it would give us a whole lot of mileage.”

Earlier, the commissioner of police, Oyo State Command, CP Shina Olukolu, said the inauguration of PMF 72 Squadron, Ago -Are demonstrated the fulfilment of the promise made by the governor to protect the lives and properties of the people of the state.

He explained that the establishment of 72 PMF at Ago-Are would entrench the principles and strategy of community policing, which is part of the government’s policy thrust at combating crimes and criminality as well as taking policing to the people.

In attendance were, the executive governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde, General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, ably represented by Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG Abdulmajid Ali, assistance inspector general of police, AIG Bashir Makama, Oyo State Commissioner of police, CP Shina T. Olukolu, senior adviser to the  executive governor on security matters, CP Fatai Owosebni (RTD), commanding officer, 72PMF, ACP Akinade Adejobi, commanding officer, 244 battallion, Col. Femi Williams, Members of the PCRC, others.