Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Wednesday reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to security, declaring that the protection of lives and property remains non-negotiable.
He stated that security is the bedrock of sustainable development, warning that no society can prosper in an atmosphere of fear, nor can any government claim success if it fails in its primary duty of safeguarding its citizens.
The governor spoke at the passing-out parade of Batch 05 (BR05) of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, held at the Ondo State House of Assembly Arcade Complex in Akure.
Describing the ceremony as symbolic and historic, Aiyedatiwa said the induction of 500 new operatives marked a decisive step in strengthening the state’s security architecture.
Reflecting on the event, the governor said the occasion evoked memories of his late predecessor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, who was popularly known as “Amotekun 001.”
He noted that the newly recruited operatives had undergone rigorous training and ideological reorientation, emerging as disciplined personnel committed to peace, stability and the collective survival of the state.
“You arrived as civilians; you are departing as guardians of the homeland, ambassadors of lawful authority and custodians of community trust,” he told the operatives.
Aiyedatiwa explained that his administration’s sustained investment in Amotekun was driven by strategic foresight rather than political expediency, stressing that the corps was designed to complement federal security agencies while addressing local security challenges.
He described BR05 not merely as an increase in manpower but as a reinforcement of operational capacity and doctrine aimed at securing every part of the state — from forests and farmlands to highways and communities.
According to the governor, the training programme covered physical endurance, tactical operations, grassroots intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, rules of engagement, human rights, civic responsibility and adherence to the Omoluabi ethos.
He urged the operatives to demonstrate professionalism, restraint and respect for the rule of law in the discharge of their duties.
“The authority you wield is solemn and sacred. You are not above the law but agents of it,” he said, cautioning against abuse of power and intimidation.
Reaffirming government support for the corps, Aiyedatiwa pledged continued improvement in welfare, logistics, equipment and intelligence coordination to enhance operational effectiveness.
He said farmers, traders, students, commuters and families across the state were counting on Amotekun to guarantee a safe and secure environment for economic and social activities to thrive.
