By Gilbert Ekezie
Residents of Awodi Ora Community in Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos State have been charged to explore every opportunity to ensure that their areas are secured, as that would reduce incidents of criminal activities.
Chairman of the local government area, Fatai Ayoola, gave the charge at the inauguration of the new security post constructed by residents of Awodi Ora Estate at the Chidi Street entrance and the commencement of culvert and drainage construction, as well as the laying of the foundation for another security post at the Cardoso entrance of the estate.
Ayoola, who was represented by the vice chairman of the council, Mr Lucky Uduikhue, noted that security is something that needs to be taken serious because an insecured place will not be habitable. He commended the people for their efforts in helping to tackle insecurity as government cannot do it alone.
Ayoola assured them that the local government will continue to identify with every activity that would enhance development and peaceful co-existence.
He said: “The security post is a welcome development and we commend your efforts at ensuring that your area is secured by engaging the services of security operatives. We will therefore not relent in our own efforts to ensure that we identify with any community that is contributing in the development of our local government area.”
Baale of Awodi Ora community, Chief Adedoyin Abiodun ‘Bindalo’, also commended residents of the estate for their initiative and security consciousness.
He charged them to continue to maintain unity and peace among them. He said: “Things like this can only be achieved where there is unity and peace. So, I implore you to ensure that peace reigns in this community. The leadership should carry everyone along and give honour to whom honour is due. We should be our brothers’ keepers and live in harmony.”
Abiodun advised elders of the community to come together to unite the residents so that the community will witness rmpeace and development. “Elders of this community have important roles to play. They should come together to unite the people more so that more could be achieved in the community. All you are doing here is to support the government because they cannot do everything alone,” he further said.
Earlier, the chairman of Awodi Ora Estate, Pastor Mike Oke-Oghene, said construction of the security post became necessary due the need to secure the community for a more conducive environment.
He also noted that the culvert and drainage in the estate were being reconstructed for easy flow of water.
Oke-Oghene assured that his team will lead the estate to an enviable position and appealed to the residents to show more cooperation.
One of the leaders in the estate, Amb. Joel Nwameme, commended the council chairman and his team for standing by the community. He however appealed to the council boss not to forget the residents of Awodi Ora Estate and the entire community with regards to the provision of ammenities and projects like roads, streetlights and drainages, among others