The Ogun State Government has applauded the Ogun State Community, Social Orientation and Safety Corps (So-Safe Corps) for its continued dedication to grassroots security, noting that the corps has become a vital complement to the conventional security agencies in the state.
The Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Rotimiolu Akinlesi, made the commendation on Wednesday during the official closing ceremony of a three-week capacity-building training held at the Ilaro Training Academy of the Corps.
Dr. Akinlesi praised the officers and men of the Corps for their professionalism, noting that the state government under Prince Dapo Abiodun remains committed to enhancing security infrastructure and supporting complementary outfits like the So-Safe Corps.
“The Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, is highly impressed with the activities of the So-Safe Corps. Your proactive community-based interventions have created safer neighbourhoods and deserve recognition.”
“This government will continue to support this agency through appropriate funding and oversight,” Akinlesi stated.
Also speaking, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Ogunlowo Lanre (PhD), represented by the Ilaro Area Commander, ACP Bamidele Job, acknowledged the valuable role of the So-Safe Corps in intelligence gathering and quick response operations, especially in rural areas.
He charged the officers to remain disciplined, law-abiding, and collaborative in their operations with the police and other law enforcement agencies, saying, “Security is a shared responsibility, and with the synergy we currently enjoy, Ogun State will continue to be a model for peace and safety.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commander of So-Safe Corps, Commander (Dr.) Soji Ganzallo, thanked Governor Dapo Abiodun for placing the Corps on the state’s annual budget since 2023, describing the gesture as unprecedented and motivational.
“This milestone has boosted the morale of our officers. It gives us hope that the sacrifices of the past are being recognised. We assure the governor of our continued loyalty and dedication to his ‘Building Our Future Together’ agenda,” Ganzallo said.
He explained that the training, themed “Community-Based Security Intervention: Challenges, Opportunities and Best Practices”, was segmented into three batches to accommodate the growing personnel base of the Corps. Resource persons from the Ogun State Police Command were engaged to deliver lectures on key aspects of security operations, both theoretically and practically.
Ganzallo also congratulated Governor Abiodun on the ongoing hosting of the 2024 National Sports Festival in Ogun State, pledging the Corps’ unflinching support in maintaining peace during and after the sporting event.
The ceremony also featured the presentation of awards to deserving stakeholders and leaders for their support towards the Corps’ operational success.
In attendance at the event were the Director of Local Government Affairs, Mr. Oduntan Sunday; senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force; heads of local security outfits; and other invited dignitaries.
