The governor of Oyo State, ‘Seyi Makinde, has commended the security agencies in the state for peace maintenance and keeping the state safe for economic activities to thrive.
The governor stated this on Wednesday, January 15, at the grand finale of the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, held at the Remembrance Arcade, Government House, Agodi, Ibadan.
Addressing journalists at the end of the event, Governor Makinde expressed appreciation to the officers and men of the Armed Forces for their dedication and for securing the state, urging them not to relent in their efforts.
The governor assured that his administration would continue to remember and support the maimed soldiers, widows, orphans and other dependants of the fallen heroes because they paid the supreme price to keep the country safe and secure.
The Governor also presented a brand new car to the pioneer Director of Operations, Federal Road Safety Corps, (FRSC), Major Rasaki Salawu (rtd), for his support and immense contributions to Oyo State Government through the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority.
The chairman, Nigerian Legion, Oyo State Command, Deputy Commandant General Julius Ogunkojo, appreciated Governor Makinde for his generous donation towards the launch of emblem and support to the legionnaires across the 33 Local Government Areas in the state.
The ceremony witnessed the laying of wreaths at the remembrance cenotaph by Governor Makinde; the Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Honourable Adebo Ogundoyin; the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima; and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin (Ige Olakulehin I), who was represented by Asipa Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi.
Others were the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division Nigerian Army, Major General O.G Onubogu; Chairman, Nigeria Legion, Oyo State Command, DCG Julius Ogunkojo; Garrison Commander, 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier-General H.I Dasuki; the Commander 655, Nigerian Air Force Station, Ibadan, Air Commodore A.G. Akinyimika; the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Police Command, Mr Ayodele Sonubi and a representative of the widows of the fallen heroes.
The occasion also witnessed the 21-gun salute in honour of the fallen heroes, special prayers for the repose of the fallen heroes and the release of ceremonial pigeons by the governor.
The event had in attendance the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister ‘Bayo Lawal; PDP National Deputy Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; former deputy governors, Engr Hamid Gbadamosi and Barrister Hazeem Gbolarumi; former Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; Secretary to the State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo and the Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, among other top government functionaries, as well as the legionnaires.
