In a bid to enhance security and foster collaboration with community leaders to promote peace in Kwara South, Hon. Tijani Kayode Ismail, representing Ifelodun/Offa/Oyun Federal Constituency in the 10th National Assembly, has emphasized the urgent need for cooperation to address growing security concerns, particularly the alarming rise in kidnapping and other criminal activities in the district.
Speaking at an event organized in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA), themed “Building a People of Peace,” Hon. Ismail called on traditional rulers to work within their powers and the law to maintain peace and security in their domains.
He urged royal fathers to remain actively engaged with their communities to curb kidnappings, theft, and other vices.
He also acknowledged the unrelenting efforts of security chiefs, vigilantes, and local hunters in keeping the area safe.
Commending the security personnel for their dedication, the lawmaker appealed to his constituents to stay vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement by reporting suspicious activities.
“The importance of security and peace cannot be overstated. We must all play our part to ensure safety in our communities,” Ismail stated.
To further strengthen security efforts, Hon. Ismail distributed motorcycles to security agencies to enhance their mobility in rural areas.
In addition, he presented three vehicles—an SUV Ford, a Benz space bus, and a Peugeot wagon—as well as palliatives to traditional rules and members of his constituency.
Earlier, the honourable had provided solar streetlights and farming equipment, including tractors, to support his constituents and promised to continue alleviating the hardships faced by his people.
Speaking at the event, Mallam Lanre Issa Onilu, Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), represented by Alhaji Dare AbdulGaniyu, NOA’s Kwara State Director, reiterated the critical role communication and dialogue play in maintaining peace and security.
Onilu emphasized the need for collective action against hate speech, separatist agitations, farmers/herders conflicts, and political and religious violence, all of which threaten Nigeria’s harmony.
“Without peace and security, progress and stability will be difficult to achieve in any community,” Onilu noted, advocating for dialogue as a crucial means of conflict resolution.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, Prince Sunday Adeniran Fagbemi, urged traditional rulers to continue supporting government efforts to tackle insecurity, stressing that peace is fundamental to societal progress.
In his message, Oba Dr. Olugbemiga Solomon, the Olusin of Isanlu Isin, who represented the traditional rulers, called on political leaders to empower the traditional institution with constitutional roles to help foster peace in the region.
The event witnessed goodwill messages from the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other dignitaries, reinforcing the need for continued cooperation to safeguard peace and security in the region.
The programme, held at the Community Hall in Idofihan, brought together traditional rulers, security personnel, community leaders, NGOs, faith-based organizations, and youth representatives from Kwara South.
Various stakeholders commended Hon. Ismail for his commitment to ensuring peace and security in Kwara South and expressed gratitude for his support.
