Former Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, has renewed his call for the Federal Government to decentralise the nation’s security structure, saying meaningful progress against crime will only be achieved when communities take charge of their immediate security needs.
Mimiko made the appeal during the grand finale of the thirteenth anniversary celebration of Gallery Security Services Limited at Agadagba Obon in Ese Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State. The firm was founded by Senior High Chief Bibopere Ajube.
He explained that Gallery Security Services had become a clear example of how community rooted initiatives can deliver real results when given room to operate.
He said, “Some thirteen years ago, Senior High Chief Bibopere Ajube approached me with the idea of starting a local security outfit that would support national agencies in tackling crimes across our waterways and riverine communities. After a thorough review, I gave the approval. I have been part of this project from day one.”
According to him, the growth of the outfit and its impact across the waterways of Ondo, Edo, Ogun and Lagos States show that decentralisation is the only practical way to curb rising insecurity.
He added, “The little seed planted years ago has grown into a big Iroko. Kidnapping, sea piracy, armed robbery and many other high profile crimes have reduced significantly in our coastal areas. If we are serious about achieving results, decentralising security is the right thing to do.”
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by his deputy, Olaide Adelami, praised Ajube’s contribution to peace and assured that the state government would sustain its partnership with credible non state actors.
He said, “We remain committed to strengthening our security system and will continue to work closely with responsible partners like Gallery Security Services.”
Former NDDC Managing Director, Ndutimi Alaibe, commended Ajube for his courage and sacrifices in restoring calm across the Niger Delta waterways, while former presidential aide and ex chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Kingsley Kuku, who delivered a keynote titled “From Creeks of Niger Delta to Global Eminence,” noted that development cannot thrive without peace.
Also present at the event were former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe, senior advocate Olusola Oke, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin, and the Agadagba of Arogbo Kingdom, Zaccheus Egbunu, among others.
