Jare Olukotun
In a bid to maintain the relative peace and reinforce the security architecture of the community, the Executive Chairman of Imota Local Council Development Area, Hon. Benson Sunday Ayodele, has held a high-level strategic stakeholders’ meeting with leaders of the Hausa and Fulani communities.
The meeting, held at the council secretariat on Tuesday, brought together key northern resident stakeholders, and was centered on fostering harmonious co-existence, mutual vigilance, and proactive security measures within the local council area.
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Benson emphasized that security is a collective responsibility that requires the absolute commitment of every resident, regardless of their state of origin or ethnic background.
The Chairman specifically tasked the Hausa and Fulani leadership to establish tighter community monitoring mechanisms, and actively educate their members, particularly new arrivals from the northern part of the country, on the customs, laws, and peace-loving nature of the Imota people.
“Imota has historically been a peaceful and hospitable home for all law-abiding Nigerians. To maintain this, we need our community leaders to act as institutional anchors. You must know who your members are, monitor their activities, and continuously preach the gospel of peace and security consciousness”, Hon. Benson stated.
He noted that proactive sensitization is vital to preventing misunderstandings, curbing criminal infiltration, and keeping at bay elements that could disrupt local stability.
The Seriki Hausa of Imota LCDA, Mallam Ibrahim Bala, who spoke on behalf of the northern leaders, thanked the Council Chairman and his entire cabinet for their inclusive leadership style and constant dedication to the safety of all residents.
He reassured the local government administration that the Hausa and Fulani communities consider Imota their home and are deeply invested in its economic growth and security. He promised to pass on the Chairman’s message to their people, and ensure that every of their members living in Imota, remains an agent of peace, order, and high security awareness.
The meeting was concluded with a mutual commitment to regular inter-ethnic dialogue, among other resolutions which include pledge by the leadership of the northern communities to hold regular internal meetings to educate their members on the importance of law and order, avoiding unverified rumors, and respecting local community structures.
It was also agreed that new internal migrants settling within the local communities, are properly identified by their respective leaders to prevent criminal elements from hiding under the guise of trade or labour, and establishment of a direct, swift communication channel among the community heads, the local council authority, and local security agencies in reporting suspicious activities before they escalate.
High-profile council officials present at the meeting were: Princess Abisoye Omowunmi Jimoh, Vice Chairman of Imota LCDA; and Hon. Mohammed Fagbesan, Secretary to the Local Government (SLG).
The Imota LCDA Legislative Arm was equally heavily represented by its leadership hierarchy, including Hon. Oluwole Adeshina, Leader of the Legislative Arm, Hon. Sunday Aberuagba, Deputy Leader; Hon. Jelili Busayo, Majority Leader; and Hon. Saidat Orewale, Chief Whip.
