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‎Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa on Wednesday inducted 500 new operatives into the Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, declaring that security remains the top priority of his administration.
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‎The governor made the declaration during the passing-out parade of Batch 05 (BR05) held at the Ondo State House of Assembly Arcade Complex in Akure, where he reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property across the state.
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‎According to him, no society can prosper in an atmosphere of fear, and no economy can thrive where citizens feel unsafe. He stressed that government’s primary responsibility is the protection of its people, noting that sustainable development is impossible without a secure environment.
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‎Describing the ceremony as symbolic, strategic and historic, Aiyedatiwa said the induction of the 500 operatives marked a decisive step in strengthening the state’s security architecture and consolidating community-based policing efforts.
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‎He recalled the vision of his late predecessor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, who pioneered the Amotekun initiative in the South-West, adding that the corps has continued to evolve as a community-rooted, intelligence-driven and law-guided institution.
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‎The governor said the newly trained operatives were carefully selected and rigorously prepared to meet contemporary security challenges confronting the state, including kidnapping, banditry and criminal infiltration of rural communities.
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‎“You arrived here as civilians; you are leaving as guardians of our homeland and custodians of community trust,” he told the recruits, urging them to discharge their duties with discipline, professionalism and strict adherence to the rule of law.
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‎Aiyedatiwa emphasised that the strength of the Amotekun Corps lies not in brute force but in intelligence-led operations, community partnership and professional restraint. He warned that the authority vested in them must be exercised responsibly and within constitutional limits.
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‎The governor assured that his administration would continue to enhance the operational capacity and welfare of the corps through improved logistics, better equipment, strengthened intelligence coordination and continuous training programmes.



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‎In his address, the Commander of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, reminded the new operatives that they are agents of the law and not above it. He said the corps was designed to complement federal security agencies and bridge local security gaps.
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‎Adeleye stressed that modern security threats are complex and require synergy with agencies such as the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Police and other sister organisations, adding that any act of indiscipline or abuse of power would attract firm sanctions.
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‎Dignitaries at the event included the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, represented by his deputy, members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers, religious leaders and heads of security agencies, who collectively underscored the importance of collaboration in ensuring lasting peace and stability in Ondo State.