Kogi community donates police station

The Ogidi community in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State has built and donated a new police station to the Nigerian Police Force.

The facility was handed to the representatives of the Kogi State Police Command on Sunday by the President of Ogidi Development Association (ODA), Mr Sunday Thomas in Ogidi town.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Thomas, who is the Federal Commissioner for Insurance National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) said the station was built to enhance security of life and property in Ogidi and its environs.

He thanked members of  the community for their steadfastness and  contributions to the project.

Thomas also commended the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Kabba, ACP Dauda Ladisi for his commitment and dedication, which he said led to the completion of the project.

He expressed the determination and commitment of the people towards transforming the area through projects that have a direct bearing on their lives through self-help efforts.

“By the grace of God, by this time next year, this our major township road would have been tarred. We are regaining the lost past glory of our community,” he said.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr  Ayuba Ede, while receiving the station  commended the people for the effort.

Ede, who was represented by the Area Commander of Kabba, ACP Dauda Lasisi, said that the new station would enhance the effort of police to combat crime in Ogidi and its suburbs.

‘‘The Inspector- General of Police (IGP) has been promoting and hammering on the idea of community policing, which is hinged on the relationship between the members of the community and the police.

“The idea is that there should not be any gap left for criminals to capitalise upon and terrorise the community.

‘‘Nothing can demonstrate the spirit of community policing better than this gesture from the Ogidi community, and we so much appreciate it,’’ he said.

He promised that the police will ensure proper utilisation and maintenance of the station.

In their separate remarks, the traditional rulers of the community, the Elebu of Ogidi, Oba Michael Akande; the Olu-otun of Ogidi, Oba Joseph Alamo; the Olojo of Ogidi, Oba Stephen Arogundade; and the Oloda-Ona of Ogidi, Baale Raphael Oloka, commended the leadership of ODA for initiating the project.