Oba Ladoja Urges Oyo Indigenes to Enlist in Police.
By Adewale Owoade
The Olubadan of Ibadanland and Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has urged eligible indigenes of the state to take advantage of the ongoing police constable recruitment exercise to join the Nigeria Police Force.
The monarch made the call on Tuesday in Ibadan while receiving the Chairman of All Police Matters and South-West representative on the Police Service Commission, DIG Tunde Lakanu.
Oba Ladoja stressed that the responsibilities of law enforcement agents are too critical to be ignored, noting that beyond apprehending offenders, the police play a vital role in maintaining law and order.
He added that although his jurisdiction as Olubadan covers 11 local government areas, he would liaise with members of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs to ensure the message reaches all parts of the state.
The monarch also pledged the support and cooperation of the Olubadan Advisory Council, line chiefs, Baales, Mogajis, and Iyalodes in mobilising grassroots participation.
He further emphasised the importance of the media in driving awareness, urging sustained engagement across print, electronic, and social platforms.
Earlier, DIG Lakanu disclosed that the Police Service Commission is currently recruiting 50,000 constables nationwide.
He, however, expressed concern over the low turnout from the South-West region and called for increased participation.
Lakanu appealed to traditional rulers to help publicise the exercise at the grassroots, adding that communities stand to benefit more from improved local representation in the police force.
He also hinted at the prospect of state policing in Nigeria, noting that it would enhance security when fully operational.