Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has explained why his administration acquired two surveillance aircraft, saying the move was aimed at strengthening security across the state and not as a reaction to any recent security incident.
The governor spoke on Tuesday after receiving the aircraft at the newly upgraded tarmac of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan, nearly one year after the state announced plans to procure them.
According to Makinde, the surveillance aircraft were purchased to improve aerial monitoring across Oyo State’s vast landmass and support security operatives already working on the ground.
He clarified that the decision to acquire the aircraft had been taken long before the recent abduction of pupils and teachers at Ahoro Community Grammar School in Oriire Local Government Area.
The governor noted that while some people had questioned the delay in the arrival of the aircraft and linked it to the Oriire incident, the procurement was part of a long-term security strategy.
Makinde said the size of Oyo State made it necessary to invest in aerial surveillance, explaining that the aircraft would enable security agencies to cover larger areas within a shorter time.
He also stressed that insecurity remains a major obstacle to development, adding that the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers had allowed the government to refocus on its development plans.
The governor disclosed that the aircraft were flown into Ibadan by pilots of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), adding that the state had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Air Force to jointly operate the surveillance platforms.
He assured residents that his administration would continue investing in initiatives aimed at protecting lives and property across the state.
“When we took the decision to purchase this surveillance aircraft, it was because of the sheer landmass, the size of Oyo State. We knew that we had to complement the boots on the ground. We didn’t know Oriire was going to happen,” Makinde said.
“I’ve seen people criticise us and say, ‘Where’s the aircraft? Now they require it at Oriire.’ But we planned for the aircraft so we can cover as much of the landmass in Oyo State as possible within the shortest possible time. I’m glad that now it’s here, and I believe we will always do what is right in the interest of our people.”
He added that meaningful development can only thrive in a secure environment.
“Because in an atmosphere of insecurity, you can hardly do anything. People say I look better now because our children are back, our teachers are back, and we’re moving on with the plan for Oyo State,” the governor said.
Watch the video below;
Submit a Press Release | Advertise With Fresh News | Contact Us
