Alaaje Ologo puts smiles on faces of widows, orphans … holds security summit

Alaaje Ologo puts smiles on faces of widows, orphans … holds security summit

Abdulrasak BELLO

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Aaje Ologo in Ogbomoso North local government area of Oyo state, came alive Thursday, October 1, as the Alaaje Ologo, HRH Reuben Adesina Amao Osunbiyi 1 fsi JP DSS rtd, held a widowhood festival in which gifts were offered to widows, widowers, orphans, children and other vulnerable members in the community and surrounding ones. The clothes worn by the beneficiaries were also given free by the traditional ruler.

The well-attended event also featured lecture on security awareness themed: “Combating security as a responsibility in the rural community.” The lecture was handled by various resource persons who are security experts, retired and serving.

The widowhood festival is an annual event, which used to hold on December 26, under the auspices of the Abigail Ebun Amao Widowhood Foundation, a rural-based non-governmental organization.

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The resource persons included Mr. Kola Oyadiran (DSS retired and currently CSO LAUTECH); SIB Jeremiah Yohana, Area Commander, Ogbomoso Area Command (represented by Adeyanju, his 2iC); a traditional ruler, HRH Sikirullahi Alao, Onitapa of Tapa, among others.

In the various presentations the need for the grassroots’ people to participate more actively in the issue of security was emphasized. Participation in such aspects as vigilance and prompt reporting of strange and suspicious people to security agencies or traditional rulers in the spirit of see something say something, was hammered.

“You are our eyes in your community; it is what you see and inform us of, that we will act on especially as we move to the end of the year. Before you sleep inspect your surroundings. In addition, don’t walk alone in secluded areas and don’t go out during the dark. Though it is the primary responsibility of the police to maintain peace and order but we can’t do it alone unless you work with us,” the Area Commander said, adding, “Also, keep your successes to yourself, as an instance, when you have money refrain from telling others because the person you told might be the one to organize how you would be robbed. Let us see to it that we keep everything secret within ourselves. We will do our part but the important thing is that Aaje Ologo must be secured.”

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Another speaker hammered on the importance of food security and health security, positing that these impact directly on security of lives and properties.

The residents were thus charged to participate dynamically in security maintenance noting that security agencies can’t offer adequate protection all alone. “You should know the people you live with, because only those who are familiar with the town can sabotage security. Let’s do what we can do to ensure security. If you see something say something. At such time inform your Kabiyesi.”

Mr. Oyadiran, former Chief Security Officer to former Governor Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, and a retired Director of Department of State Services (DSS), who spoke on “What has happened in the past and how it will not happen again,” submitted, “Be vigilant about strange people in your area. If you notice such, tell the security agencies or your traditional ruler. Be watchful of the so-called maaros (farm lease-holders), as some of them are spies who give information to criminals.

“Similarly, as a measure of securing our communities, do not install a Baale that has no job previously. Or else he will come and be selling your land, and be in cahoot with criminals. Then, monitor the area boys, report them if you have them in your community. Be mindful of whom to rent house to. Don’t reveal too much about yourselves to people.”

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Onitapa, speaking on “Responsibilities on Security,” slammed many traditional rituals for their penchant for selling family and communal lands indiscriminately, submitting this predisposes them to unholy attachment with unscrupulous elements. He however commended the Alaaje Ologo saying he is devoted to initiating developments in his community.

“Many traditional rulers go to the throne to sell their inheritance and when they have sold off the lands, their eyes become clear. What is enduring is what Alaaje Ologo is doing. Why should a Baale or Oba sell inherited lands up to about 20 acres, and so on? A king that is worthy of the position would not sell such acreage of land. If you go to the surrounding villages, you see Obas or Baales selling 50 acres, 100 acres, 150 acres. A sensible person wouldn’t do that.

“Alaaje is specially chosen by God for you. His record speaks for him, he built a community hall, started a market, attracts investments, helps widows and the vulnerable etc. The duty of the Oba ought to be positioning himself as a pivot of development, whom his subjects would tell their yearnings and he will liaise with the government and make other efforts to make such realizable.”

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Vice chairman of Ogbomoso North local government Hon Taofiq Salawu who represented his boss Hon George Ogunlade, lauded Alaaje Ologo for taking the initiative on security awareness in his community.

Hon Salawu also spoke on the internal roads in Ogbomoso being executed by the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration, stressing the governor deserves everybody’s commendation. He assured all the roads would be completed including the Omo O Jeun – Aaje Ologo – Pakiotan road.

Oba Amao in his address informed that his foundation not only assists widows and the vulnerable materially and helps their children’s education, but also comes in for those of them who are being persecuted.

The monarch thanked some regular donors to his foundation specifically mentioning AIG Sheu Babalola and Alhaji Ayinla Ragaray and others.

The programme also featured prayer session, exhortation (anchored by Prophet Isaac Oni), praises (led by Ope Goodness) and entertainment.

Hon Remi Odetomi, a former chairman of Ogbomoso South local government; Rev’d Segun Adeyanju Ayanfe (Full Flame Evangelical Ministries); members of the Legislative Arm Ogbomoso North local government were among the dignitaries that graced the occasion.