By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, on Monday received a delegation from the Alafin of Oyo under the umbrella of the Oyo Alafin Society (Oyo Forum), Abuja, to discuss partnership opportunities to address security challenges in Oyo State and environs.
The delegation conveyed the mandate of His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, Alayeluwa Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, Alaafin of Oyo.
Speaking during the visit, the group said the Oyo community had resolved to make available a vast expanse of land for the construction of a military cantonment. The proposed facility is expected to enhance the presence of the Armed Forces and serve as a strategic response to banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities.
Describing the visit as timely and the initiative as noble, Mr. Pheelangwah thanked the delegation and assured them that the Ministry would give the proposal due consideration. He noted that a positive response would require the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding following due process.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Board for Technology Incubation, Engr. Kolawole Raji, commended the Honourable Minister of Defence and the Ministry for their commitment to safeguarding lives and property nationwide.
Engr. Raji disclosed that community leaders and stakeholders of the Oyo Alaafin had earmarked land bordering the Old Oyo National Park, near Otefon Town in Atiba Local Government Area, for the establishment of a major military formation. He said the location is suitable for a modern cantonment capable of accommodating the Nigerian Army, operational units of the Nigerian Air Force, military training schools, healthcare facilities, residential quarters, commercial centres, and other strategic security installations.
In addition to providing land for infrastructure, the Oyo Alafin community pledged to collaborate with the Armed Forces of Nigeria by providing all lawful and necessary community support to facilitate the successful execution of the project.
His Imperial Majesty, who was unavoidably absent, sent a goodwill message via recorded video to the Minister and Ministry officials, expressing optimism for a favourable federal response. Similar goodwill messages were delivered via video by Senator Yunus Abiodun Akintunde, representing Oyo Central, and Hon. Akeem Adeyemi, representing Oyo Federal Constituency. Directors of the Ministry were present at the event.
