The Deputy Senate Leader and Senator representing Kwara South, Architect Oyelola Yisa Ashiru, today convened a high-powered strategic security meeting in Kwara South.
The gathering drew stakeholders, traditional leaders, community representatives, and security experts, stakeholders and local vigilantes across the local government areas – Ifelodun, Ekiti, Oke-Ero and Isin – ravaged with insecurity.
Speaking at the well-attended session, Senator Ashiru said the gathering became necessary to address peculiar security threats bedeviling the district and the state as a whole.
He said that Kwara South holds enormous potential in agriculture, tourism, and cultural heritage that must be protected.
“I have a deep love for Kwara South and its people. Our zone is richly endowed with resources and hospitality. From the historic caves in Oke Ero to the cultural monuments in Esie, Kwara South has what it takes to drive tourism and economic growth. But insecurity threatens all of these,” the senator declared.
He lamented the economic and social toll of insecurity, adding that many indigenes in the diaspora are reluctant to return home with investments due to safety concerns.
Farmers, he added, can no longer freely access their farmlands, while illegal mining activities have been curtailed by violence.
“Insecurity is like cancer—it spreads. If we don’t tackle it here in Kwara South, it will affect neighboring states and even the country at large,” Ashiru warned.
The lawmaker, who had earlier raised the matter on the floor of the Senate, assured that the National Assembly is working on a national conference on insecurity.
However, he emphasized that every region faces peculiar challenges that require tailored solutions.
“I am not here to play to the gallery. I want realistic solutions. That is why we brought in grassroots voices, those who directly experience these security challenges, so that our solutions are practical and effective,” he explained.
In his remarks, the Kwara State APC Chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, reinforced the importance of community involvement in combating crime.
“Government cannot do it alone. Communities must supply intelligence and work closely with security agencies. At the same time, we must check complicity within. Some of our own people serve as informants to criminals. Enlightenment and vigilance are key,” Fagbemi noted.
Hon. Olabanji Olayemi, the APC Chairman in Kwara South added, “The insecurity is gradually crippling the economy of kwara south, many town has become a ghost town, it has also affected our population and voting strength. Huge the senator to keep engaging.”
Olabanji is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
Elder Olaitan Oyin Zubair, a community leader and Coordinator of the Kwara South Joint Community Security Watch, lauded Senator Ashiru’s initiative. He describes it as a step in the right direction.
“Insecurity is not peculiar to Kwara, but this meeting shows leadership and sincerity of purpose. It is the kind of effort that can help restore peace and stability to our region,” Zubair said.
The meeting ended with a collective resolve to strengthen collaboration among security agencies, traditional institutions, and local communities in order to safeguard lives, livelihoods, and investments across Kwara South.
