LG autonomy key to national security, development — Osun ALGON chairman

— Distributes 300 motorcycles to security agencies

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

The Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Osun State chapter, Hon. Idowu Abiodun, said that local government autonomy enhances the capacity of councils to play stronger roles in national security and development.

Abiodun stated this on Tuesday during the distribution of 300 motorcycles to security agencies in Osun State, describing the initiative as a practical demonstration of the impact of empowered local governments on grassroots security and service delivery.

He noted that when local governments are empowered to manage their resources, set their priorities, and respond swiftly to the needs of their people, the impact is immediate and far-reaching.

The ALGON chairman further said, “This is a clear testament to what can be achieved when governance is brought closer to the grassroots and when local authorities are trusted with the resources and responsibility to act. The provision of these motorcycles is therefore not only a security intervention but also a practical demonstration of the effectiveness of local government autonomy in Nigeria.

“It shows that when empowered, local governments can become strong pillars in the architecture of national security and development.”

Abiodun noted that the motorcycles would enhance mobility, improve response time, and enable security agencies to access difficult terrains, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas, adding that the initiative was aimed at strengthening community policing and ensuring safer communities.

In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police in Osun, Ibrahim Gotan, who spoke on behalf of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, thanked ALGON for the gesture, noting that the donation would significantly enhance operational capacity, particularly in hard-to-reach areas, and improve response time and patrol coverage.

Gotan also thanked President Bola Tinubu for granting local governments their autonomy.