The Corps Commander of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, has called for greater involvement of women in Nigeria’s security architecture.
Akogun Adeleye said women have a critical role to play in tackling the root causes of criminality, particularly through proper parenting, effective supervision of children and promotion of strong family values.
The Amotekun Commander made the call in Abuja while receiving a special award at the recently concluded WINSEC Award Programme, organised in recognition of individuals and organisations contributing to security and community development.
He commended the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, the WINSEC screening committee and the organisers for recognising the contributions of security stakeholders to the protection of lives and property.
Akogun Adeleye attributed some of the social challenges confronting the country to the breakdown of family values and inadequate parental supervision.
He noted that while many fathers are away from home in pursuit of their livelihoods, mothers often bear a significant responsibility for raising children and shaping their values.
The Amotekun Commander therefore urged women to pay closer attention to the upbringing and welfare of their children to prevent them from being exposed to criminal activities.
He said: “It is a very important time for women to come together and support the nation’s security architecture by ensuring that children are properly nurtured. Mothers should pay close attention to the welfare and upbringing of their children so that society is not breeding future criminals.”
He also advocated greater participation of women in security operations, noting that female personnel in the Amotekun Corps had demonstrated courage, professionalism and dedication in the discharge of their duties.
He assured that the agency would continue to provide opportunities for women to actively participate in security operations across Ondo State.
Speaking on the award, Akogun Adeleye described the recognition as a motivation for him and the entire corps to intensify efforts towards crime prevention, community protection and maintenance of peace.
He said the honour also recognised the achievements of the Amotekun Corps since its establishment, particularly in intelligence-driven operations, rescue of kidnapped victims, arrest of criminal elements and collaboration with other security agencies.
Akogun Adeleye expressed appreciation to the Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for his continued support for the corps, saying the backing had enhanced its ability to discharge its responsibilities effectively.
He dedicated the award to the “gallant men and women” of the Amotekun Corps and other security stakeholders who continue to make sacrifices for the safety and security of Nigerians.
The commander further urged the Federal Government to consider the Ondo State Amotekun model as a blueprint for the proposed state policing system.
According to him, adopting the model would strengthen the country’s efforts to address its growing security challenges.
Akogun Adeleye pledged that the recognition would further inspire him and the corps to remain committed to building a safer, peaceful and prosperous society.
