The Security and Safety Marshals of the Ogun State Community, Social Orientation and Safety Corps, popularly known as So-Safe Corps Marshals, on Saturday marked their fourth anniversary with the swearing in of newly elected state executive members.
The ceremony, which held at the So-Safe Corps Headquarters in Abeokuta, attracted top officers of the corps, marshals from across the state, traditional and community leaders, as well as invited guests.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Transition and Planning Committee, SSGM Dr Joshua Olu Ajibola, said the celebration was the product of collective effort, careful planning and shared commitment to the growth of the organisation.
He explained that the committee focused on coordination, logistics, welfare, protocol, publicity and media engagement to ensure a successful outing.
Ajibola expressed appreciation to the leadership of the corps, the outgoing and incoming executives, committee members and supporters for their cooperation.
According to him, “What we are witnessing today is the result of teamwork, dedication and collaboration between committee members, the corps leadership, stakeholders and well-meaning supporters.”
The outgoing State Chairman, SSGM Archbishop A.P. Olaitan, JP, in his address, traced the origin of the marshals to a community-driven environmental and security initiative.
He recalled that the movement began as a clean environment campaign which later evolved into a structured security support group after members faced threats while enforcing sanitation standards.
He said partnering with the Ogun State So-Safe Corps gave the group legitimacy and strength, leading to his emergence as the first State Chairman on February 7, 2022.
Olaitan noted that one of his greatest joys was the opportunity to contribute to society, stressing that community development should not be left to government alone.
Reflecting on achievements recorded during his tenure, he said the marshals successfully organised security summits at state and zonal levels, built strong relationships with regular So-Safe officers, engaged community development associations as security ambassadors, and improved intelligence sharing across the state.
He also acknowledged donations made by prominent marshals to support security operations.
“I am grateful to the commander and his team for carrying us along as part of the security architecture of Ogun State,” he said, while urging the incoming executive to build on existing foundations and aim for greater impact.
In his inaugural address, the new State Chairman, SSGM Shekoni Emmanuel Olabode, also known as Triple Chief Agbaakin, thanked God and members of the organisation for the confidence reposed in him.
He appreciated the Ogun State Commander of the So-Safe Corps, Commander Dr Soji Ganzallo, and regular officers for providing marshals with the platform to serve their communities.
Olabode described the task ahead as demanding but achievable with unity and support.
He said the new leadership would focus on membership drive, financial validation, fundraising, public awareness, training and improved coordination with regular So-Safe officers across zones.
“I am looking forward to an all-inclusive administration where every marshal will be carried along in decision making,” he said, adding that the ultimate goal remained safer and more secure communities across Ogun State.
The newly sworn-in executive members include SSGM Shekoni Emmanuel Olabode as State Chairman, SSGM Dr Sonola Olayinka, JP, as Vice Chairman, SSGM Amb Dr Adeyemi Ebenezer Olusola as State Secretary, and SSGM Janet Oluremi Egbochie as Financial Secretary, 
Others include; SSGM Capt Osho John I, Director of Intelligence, SSGM Joseph O. Iluobe, Director of Welfare, SSGM Shonde Emmanuel Olusola, Director of Youths and Education, SSGM Adekunbi Owoyinka, Director of Socials, SSGM Oladosu Rabiu Akanmu, Director of Protocols and SSCM Majekodunmi A. Oluwasesan, Director of Logistics.
Earlier, an address delivered on behalf of the State Commander, Commander Dr Soji Ganzallo, by ACC Moruf Kolawole Yusuf, described the marshals as a critical support arm of the So-Safe Corps.
He said the group had justified its creation through discipline, dedication and effective intelligence gathering over the past four years.
He commended the outgoing executive for laying a strong foundation and congratulated the new leadership on their emergence, urging them to lead with integrity, unity and enthusiasm for service.
He also charged all marshals to remain loyal and supportive, noting that unity and teamwork were essential for progress.
“As we celebrate four years, more work still lies ahead. Our goal is to reduce criminality across Ogun State as much as possible. Intelligence gathering and support for our regular personnel must be strengthened,” the commander said.
The anniversary celebration also featured the presentation of awards to deserving officers and a special celebration of the commander’s birthday, adding colour to the occasion.
