Tinubu will involve hunters as national security – Ooni
President Bola Tinubu and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi exchanging pleasantries during a courtesy visit to the president on Sunday in Lagos…Photo: X || Bayo Onanuga
Tinubu will involve hunters as national security – Ooni
Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has said President Bola Tinubu was ready to incorporate hunters fully into the nation’s security architecture.
Oba Ogunwusi stated this on Wednesday when he received the Commandant General, Nigeria Forest Security Service, Joshua Osatimehin, in his palace in Ile-Ife.
The monarch, however, called on members of the group not to compromise when they fully take charge of the security of the country’s forested areas.
The royal father, who expressed satisfaction with the manner the leadership of the hunters group, which later transformed into NFSS, before the bill establishing the group was passed by the Senate, had handled its affairs, noted that community leaders and monarchs would be willing to assist them to keep the forest areas safe.
“I want to thank the leadership of this country, President Bola Tinubu and the entire National Assembly, for everything they have done. Less than two weeks ago, I was with Mr President and we talked about issues of security in forests across the country.
“He has a very big plan for what you are doing as forest guards. He (Tinubu) said he is ready to incorporate it into the security structure of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“He (Tinubu) has a bright plan for our country and as far as security is concerned, it needs the support of every one of us. As I’m talking to you, he is in Benue State checking things and how things can be better.
“Going forward, it is very evident that we traditional rulers must work with you and work with all political leaders to make our country a better place,” Ooni said.
Speaking earlier, Osatimehin, who was joined by the NFSS Osun State commander, Nureni Hammed and the State commanders from all the other five South West States, alongside a large number of operatives, commended Oba Ogunwusi for the support the group has been receiving since 2016, when it was formed.
Osatimehin, who told Oba Ogunwusi that the visit was to enlist the support of the royal fathers for Tinubu to make NFSS the nucleus of the proposed Forest Security Guards, lauded Lagos and Oyo State Governors, Babajide Sanwoolu and Seyi Makinde, for engaging members of NFSS to strengthen security in rural areas.
He also said the governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, was working with the NFSS to boost security in his state, declaring that with government support, the group with members in all the 774 local government areas in the country can secure forested areas and prevent criminal infiltration.
