The Commander of the Ogun State Community, Social Orientation and Safety Corps (So-Safe Corps), Dr. Soji Ganzallo, has commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for consistently including the Corps in the state’s annual budget since 2023—a development he described as a “great milestone” in the history of the agency.
Dr. Ganzallo gave the commendation on Wednesday during the official closing ceremony of a three-week intensive training programme held at the Ilaro Training Academy for officers and men of the Corps.
He noted that the inclusion of the Corps in the state budget has motivated operatives to redouble their efforts in community policing, adding that the support from the state government has significantly boosted the morale and effectiveness of the personnel.
“This great milestone has not been enjoyed since our establishment in 2017. We are grateful to His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for placing the Corps on the state budget. It has spurred us to do more, and we believe greater things lie ahead during his tenure,” Ganzallo said.
Themed “Community-Based Security Intervention: Challenges, Opportunities and Best Practices,” the training was aimed at strengthening the capacity of the Corps in tackling grassroots security issues.
According to the Corps Commander, the training was divided into three batches to accommodate the high number of personnel, allowing for in-depth sessions across theoretical and practical areas.
Ganzallo disclosed that seasoned resource persons from the Nigeria Police Force, Ogun State Command, were engaged to handle eight core modules each week, which covered key areas in community policing and intervention strategies.
While congratulating the trainees for their discipline, maturity, and perseverance, he urged them to translate the knowledge gained into effective service delivery across the state.
He also took the opportunity to congratulate Governor Abiodun on the successful hosting of the 2024 National Sports Festival, currently ongoing in Ogun State, assuring the government of the Corps’ full commitment to ensuring security during and after the event.
“We stand firmly behind the governor’s ‘Building Our Future Together’ agenda and reaffirm our resolve to support all efforts aimed at curbing crime in the state,” he added.
In attendance at the ceremony were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr. Rotimiolu Akinlesi, who represented the Honourable Commissioner; the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Ogunlowo Lanre, represented by ACP Bamidele Job, Ilaro Area Commander of the Nigeria Police; the Director of Local Government Affairs, Mr. Oduntan Sunday; and other invited guests.
