(SINL NIGERIA) The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, on Monday received a delegation from the Alaafin of Oyo under the auspices of the Oyo Alaafin Society (Oyo Forum), Abuja, to discuss strategic collaboration aimed at enhancing security in Oyo State and its surrounding areas.
The delegation conveyed the mandate of His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, Alayeluwa Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, the Alaafin of Oyo, and presented a proposal for the establishment of a military cantonment in the ancient kingdom.
During the meeting, members of the delegation disclosed that the Oyo community had resolved to donate a vast expanse of land for the development of the military facility.
According to them, the proposed cantonment would bolster the presence of the Armed Forces in the area and contribute significantly to efforts to combat banditry, kidnapping, and other security threats.
Responding, Mr. Pheelangwah described the initiative as timely and commendable, expressing appreciation to the delegation for its commitment to national security.
He assured the group that the Ministry would carefully consider the proposal, noting that any positive outcome would be subject to due process, including the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Board for Technology Incubation, Engr. Kolawole Raji, commended the Ministry of Defence and the Minister of Defence for their dedication to protecting lives and property across the country.
Engr. Raji revealed that community leaders and stakeholders in Oyo had identified a parcel of land bordering the Old Oyo National Park near Otefon Town in Atiba Local Government Area for the proposed military formation.
He noted that the location is strategically suitable for a modern cantonment capable of accommodating Nigerian Army formations, operational units of the Nigerian Air Force, military training institutions, healthcare facilities, residential quarters, commercial centres, and other critical security infrastructure.
He further stated that beyond providing land, the Oyo Alaafin community is committed to supporting the Armed Forces of Nigeria through lawful community-based assistance to ensure the successful implementation of the project.
Although the Alaafin of Oyo was unable to attend the meeting in person, he delivered a goodwill message via a recorded video, expressing confidence that the Federal Government would give favourable consideration to the proposal.
Similar goodwill messages were also delivered by Senator Yunus Abiodun Akintunde, representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, and Hon. Akeem Adeyemi, representing Oyo Federal Constituency.
Directors and senior officials of the Ministry of Defence were present at the meeting.
