By Fidelis David, Akure
The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Adebowale Lawal, has called for sustained collaboration between members of the public and the Nigeria Police Force, stressing that community partnership remains the backbone of effective security and crime prevention.
Lawal made the call while speaking with journalists during the commissioning of the newly renovated Metro Area Office Headquarters of the Ondo State Police Command in Akure, the state capital, a project executed by the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) with support from the Ondo State Government.
The Metro Area Office, which once served as the Ondo State Police Command headquarters, had been in a dilapidated condition for decades before the intervention. The renovation, estimated to have cost over N10 million, involved complete reroofing, structural rehabilitation, internal fittings, and repainting of the building.
Describing the project as a testament to public trust in the police, CP Lawal praised the PCRC and community stakeholders for their commitment to security.
“It is a laudable development. We want to thank the group, especially those who reside within the metropolis and the friends of the police who made this possible. This gesture shows that we have been accepted, tested, and trusted. Otherwise, people would not have brought out their hard-earned money to support the renovation of this facility.”
The police boss also acknowledged the role of the Ondo State Government in the project. “We equally appreciate the Government of Ondo State. The Area Commander informed me that the government made meaningful inputs. We therefore thank everyone who contributed to making this project a reality,” he added.
Responding to questions on whether the intervention would translate into improved policing, Lawal assured residents that the benefits would be felt across the state.
“Of course, it is not limited to the metropolis alone; it cuts across the entire state. Our focus is best service delivery. That is what we have continued to emphasize to our officers, and today you can see the dividends,” he said.
According to him, the renewed trust between the police and the public has strengthened intelligence gathering and operational effectiveness. “The good people of Ondo State love us and understand that security is a shared responsibility. That is why we continue to enjoy their support,” he noted.
Lawal further attributed the success recorded by the command to the support of the police leadership and the state government.
“We have the backing of our indefatigable leader, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, as well as the Executive Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa. They are the ones giving us the wings with which we are flying,” he said.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the command to crime reduction, noting that Ondo State’s reputation as one of the safest states in the country did not happen by accident.
“It is common knowledge that Ondo State is one of the safest states in Nigeria. This has been acknowledged even by the Vice President of the country. It is the result of the support we enjoy from our leaders and the good people of the state,” Lawal stated.
Speaking on the state of the facility before the intervention, the Area Commander, Metro Area Command, ACP Kabir Akinroye, described the condition of the office as deplorable and unbefitting of a command structure.
“Before this intervention, the condition of the Metro Area Office was very discouraging. The roof had collapsed in several sections, offices were exposed to rain, and the entire building had deteriorated to the point where effective service delivery was being threatened. It was difficult to describe the place as an Area Command, considering its historical importance and the responsibilities carried out here.”
He explained that the poor state of the structure posed challenges to both personnel welfare and operational efficiency.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Metro Area Command and Chairman of the Okuta-Elerinla Division, Comrade Ayi Omoeni, recounted the poor state of the facility before the renovation.
“When I assumed office, this place was in such a condition that one could hardly describe it as an Area Command. Around February this year, the roof had completely collapsed,” he recalled.
Omoeni said the intervention was driven by collective resolve and personal commitment. “The Area Commander called on me to see what we could do. By the grace of God, I remained actively involved throughout the renovation process alongside my assistants and concerned individuals in Akure. That is why we are commissioning this building today,” he said.
He disclosed that the structure had effectively been abandoned since 1979 and revealed that similar interventions were being planned in other parts of the state. “Security is not a job the police can do alone. That is why we make ourselves available through the Police–Security Relations Committee, which is a voluntary association,” Omoeni added.
Also speaking, the Deputy Chairman of the PCRC in Ondo State, High Chief Kolawole James Oluwole, Justice of the Peace and Aro of Isikan Kingdom, described the renovation as long overdue.
“This station was formerly the state police headquarters. Since its relocation, no substantial renovation had taken place. The roof was leaking, and termites had destroyed the woodwork,” he said.
According to him, the condition of police facilities directly affects morale and service delivery. “Those entrusted with securing lives and property should not be made to work in dirty or unsafe environments. That reality informed our decision to intervene,” Oluwole explained.
He emphasized the need for mutual trust between the police and the public. “When we provide information, it must be handled professionally and confidentially. Cooperation and trust are essential to sustaining security in our communities,” he said.
The commissioning ceremony marked another milestone in community-driven security support in Ondo State, reinforcing the growing synergy between residents and law enforcement agencies.
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