Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has called for a collective effort to solve the security problems facing the country.
The governor stated this on Thursday while launching the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem, at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
Noting that the government alone could not solve all the problems, Governor Makinde said his administration would continue to collaborate with the security agencies in addressing various security challenges in the state.
The governor equally appreciated the Nigerian Legion members for their past and current efforts, saying that his government would continue to support the welfare of serving and retired soldiers.
He said: “From the bottom of my heart and on behalf of the government and people of Oyo State, we want to appreciate you for the work you have done and what you are still doing for us. Some of you paid the ultimate price to ensure we have a country we can call our own.
“We also want to say thank you to serving officers and men, because this is an unusual period for us. It is not just talking about going out to do your normal work but doing it in an environment that is less than conducive.”
The governor promised to look into some of the requests made by the Legion, including the renovation of the Oyo State Legion House, running costs of local government and state offices of the Legion and salary increment for the staff, among others.
“I have seen some of the requests you have put together and I can speak on some of them immediately and give my commitment to carry them out. You asked for a vehicle for the Legion in Oyo State; we will give you the vehicle.
“Some of the other requests like the increment of salary, we can look at that and see what can be done, because this is a trying period for us.
“We do have quite a lot of things to do and we have to look at the increment of salary and deal with it. We are grateful for the sacrifices you have made for us. We will continue to support you.”
Governor Makinde later donated the sum of N10million on behalf of the state and a personal donation of N1million to the Legion.
Earlier, the Oyo State Chairman, Nigerian Legion, Evangelist (Dr) Julius Ogunkojo, said that the main focus of the programme was to raise fund in order to cater for the veterans who are still alive but incapacitated and living in despair as well as the children and widows of the departed heroes.
He appreciated Governor Makinde for his support and, therefore, assured that the Nigerian Legion would continually give its full support to the government towards securing lives and properties of the citizens and residents of the state.
Signed
Sulaimon Olanrewaju
Special Adviser (Media) to Oyo State Governor
