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Oyo Govt Engages Man O’ War to Secure Public Schools




Governor ‘Seyi Makinde has revealed that the Oyo State government will engage Man O’ War officers to provide security and surveillance for Oyo State government primary and secondary schools.

The governor shared this information when he received Man O’ War national executives at his Secretariat office on a courtesy visit and also explained that he was taking this step because of the various security challenges in the state, including the recent trend of kidnappers focusing on students.

In a statement signed by the governor’s chief press secretary, Governor Makinde was quoted telling the national executives to double their efforts at grassroots level so they could play their part in stemming insecurity in Oyo State and Nigeria.

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The governor was quoted saying: “Man O’ War, as an organization, I know is trying its best. I can testify to the role Man O’ War played during the elections that I participated in as governorship candidate in 2015 and 2019. So, I will renew my commitment in Man O’ War.”

“Yes, the nation is faced with insecurity challenges right now all over the place. We have insurgency in the North-East, banditry in the North-West. We have herders/farmers clash in the North-Central zone of the country. And we thought those were far, remote, but now, they are at our door step. “Here also in Oyo State, we have been dealing with kidnapping, farmers/herders clashes and people have suddenly become temperamental.”

“Before now, if you were walking on the street, you would see some issues arise and people would settle them amicably. But now, they will almost kill one another. So, this is a period that Man O’ War will need to double its efforts and look at programmes at the grassroots level where we can project more on the issue of citizenship and leadership for our country.”

“In schools, we have discussed with the Honourable Commissioner for Education before now on the issue of security. Some of the schools are not properly fenced; hoodlums hibernate in schools.”

“I know they have put together a proposal on fencing and having demarcations for all of the schools but this idea of deployment of Man O’ War for security and surveillance is a welcome idea. We will look at the proposal and we should be engaging either the national or state Command Team to ensure that this can see the light of day and I think it is something that we will do.”

The governor also assured the Man O’ War of his continued sponsorship of the organization out of his personal funds, saying: “I will resume the sponsorship and I am doing this in my personal capacity such that when I am no longer the governor, I will continue to do it.”

He also donated three utility vehicles to the organization; two to their Oyo State Command and one to their National command and said: “Today, Oyo State will donate two utility vehicles to the Man O’ War, Oyo State Command and one to the National Command. “Also, on the request for allocation of the former abandoned FRSC office, I don’t know the state of the facility but we have to talk to the Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development. Let me also assure you that Oyo State will look for a suitable place that we can allocate to Oyo State Man O’ War.”
“And in terms of the sponsorship of Man O’ War National Camp in August, we will support you, both from the government side and privately. I will always be proud of the uniform of the Man O’ War. So, I want to use this opportunity to appreciate you for your support and professionalism. During the 2019 election, you played a stabilizing role. You were out there to complement the efforts of other security agencies.”

The governor again reiterated his call for the organization to do more to complement the other security agencies, citing their evolution over the years to provide a link between citizenship engagement and leadership. He also promised to facilitate requests the paramilitary outfit has made and pledged his renewed commitment to their cause, as a former member and a patron.

The deputy national commandant of the Man O’ War, Gbenga Adedamola also spoke and after thanking the governor for his kind words and gestures, called on Nigerian youths to reawaken their patriotism and look to join voluntary organizations like the Man O’ War. He also praised the passion and commitment of Governor Makinde for the measures he takes to keep Oyo State safe.

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