The Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola has pledged that his government will continue to give necessary support to security agencies in the state.
He said his administration is poised to raise the bar of security by providing necessary logistics and security architecture to enable the security operatives to perform their duties efficiently, effectively and diligently.
Governor Oyetola reiterated this on Wednesday while ommissioning the newly built 12 One Bedroom Single Officers Quarters, at the 209 Quick Response Group Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base, Ipetu-Ijesa.
Oyetola who solicited the continued support and cooperation of the security agencies, said the state would continue to work in partnership with relevant security agencies and stakeholders to strengthen security and ensure maximum protection of lives and property of the citizenry.
He said the state has been working in collaboration with other southwest states to enhance the security architecture in the region.
Governor Oyetola extolled the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari for being supportive to the security agencies in the country.
He applauded the leadership of the Nigerian Air Force for joining hands with other security agencies during the emerging security challenges in the state and Nigeria at large.
Oyetola said: “The collaboration of the southwest states to deliver peace to our people is on course and the military is a crucial partner in this enterprise.
“I appreciate the Nigerian Air Force for its phenomenal support during the emerging security challenges in the State.
“It is on the basis of this realisation that I would like to salute the vision and leadership of the Chief of Air Staff and appreciate his contributions to the security needs of the nation.
“I thank President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the establishment of an Air Force Base in Ipetu Ijesa to promptly respond to emerging security challenges in the south western part of the country and for providing necessary support to sustain the operations of the Base.
“I also understand that very soon, a Regimental Centre Annex to train Special Forces personnel will come on stream here. I would like to thank the Chief of Air Staff for considering Osun for this all important centre.
“I would also like to extend sincere appreciation to the Nigerian Air Force for providing logistics support and training to make the Ipetu-Ijesa Base perform its role professionally and efficiently.
“I solicit the continued support of the Nigerian Air Force in our resolve to keep the Region and our people safe.
“Our administration shall continue to give all necessary support to the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies, to enable them to perform their duties effectively
“I would also like to appreciate the Air Force for collaborating with other military Forces and security agencies to secure the South West in this period of huge security challenges.”
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, commended Governor Oyetola and President Muhammadu Buhari for being supportive to the Force in its quest to provide adequate security in the country.
He said the Force has been enjoying hands of fellowship and prompt support from both the state and federal governments, a gesture he described as a motivation and encouragement.
Abubakar who was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Nigerian Air Force Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Napoleon Bali Rinkap, pledged that the Force will re-double its efforts at ensuring the security of lives and property of the citizens.
He promised that the Force will not relent on its oars in upholding democratic ideals for the progress and prosperity of the country; while also ensuring that available resources are used judiciously by applying the principle of doing more with less.
Abubakar who said the 209 QRG Ipetu Ijesa was established to serve as a support and training base for jungle awareness training for Special Forces and jungle survival training for NAF pilots, noted that the Force, considered necessary to establish Units like the 209 QRG to enable the NAF form the required capabilities to close those gaps.
“I want to express my profound gratitude to His Excellency Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, the Executive Governor of Osun State and the good people of Ipetu Ijesa for their immense support and hospitality since the establishment of this Unit in Ipetu Ijesa.
The 209 Quick Response Group Ipetu Ijesa was established to serve as a support and training base for jungle awareness training for Special Forces and jungle survival training for NAF pilots.
“Accordingly, the Group will provide the NAF with well-trained forces capable of conducting special operations within the South-west region and anywhere in Nigeria.
“It is worthy to note that 209 QRG was established in fulfilment of our roles to ensure the achievement of Nigerian national security imperatives.
“The security environment has been dominated by unconventional threats from non-state actors committing acts of violence against the populace.
“This has made the Armed Forces of Nigeria to be engaged in conducting several counter – insurgency operations in various parts of the country”, Abubakar added.
Earlier, the Air Officer Commanding Special Operations, Air Vice Marshal JMD Gwani, noted that the 209 Quick Response Group is crucial the successful conduct of NAF operations in the southwest as it has assisted in the combined efforts of government to rest the menace of insecurity in the region.
He said the new facilities would serve as a morale booster for the Airmen and their families.
“It I hoped that this would create an enabling environment for the Airmen and women in their operations.
“We must reciprocate by showing unflinching loyalty, patrotism and dedication in the attainment of the NAF vision”, he stated.
Those in attendance at the commissioning ceremony include: Former Chief of Defense Staff, Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin; Commander Nigerian Air Force 209 Quick Response Group, Ipetu-Ijesa, Wing Commander D.M Komo; Sectretary to the State Government, Prince Wole Oyebamiji; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Charles Akinola, Head of Service, Dr. Festus Olowogboyega Oyebade.
Others are; Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran; Ajalaye of Ipetu-Ijesa, Oba Adeleke Agunbiade among others.
