By Oki Samson
To combat the serious issues of youth unrest, violence, and societal vices often driven by drug abuse, CSP Opadola Oluwatoyin Elizabeth, the astute Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ojodu, Lagos, has taken proactive steps within her first six months in office. Recognizing the root causes of these challenges, she spearheaded the construction of a police post in Obokun, a community in Ojodu. This decisive action reflects her commitment to a safer society, as reported by the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP).
The Obokun community in Ojodu has gained an infamous reputation, often compared to the Biblical cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Known for widespread social ills, it is a place where the environment is said to lead many down a dark path. Growing up in this atmosphere, children are often drawn into destructive habits, with high rates of alcoholism, drug abuse, and criminal behavior. The community’s struggles with vice have made it a symbol of moral decay, where breaking free from the cycle of misfortune seems nearly impossible.
Over the weekend, the Obokun Police post aimed at reducing crime in the community was commissioned by the new Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG in charge of Zone 2 Command (Lagos and Ogun States), AIG Adegoke Mustapha Fayoade. The project conceived by the Ojodu DPO, CSP Opadola Oluwatoyin Elizabeth enjoyed the immense support of the Executive Chairman of Ojodu LCDA, Hon. David Segun Odunmbaku, Ojodu PCRC, Ojodu APC stalwarts, and other community leaders.
Hailing the initiative of the Police post in that community, AIG Adegoke Fayoade hinted: ‘I’m really excited to be here, particularly when I look at what the DPO, CSP Opadola and this community has done; In the month of June this year, I was here at Ojodu Police division to commissioned several projects facilitated by Hon. James Abiodun Faleke. It shows that the Police cannot do the work alone, it means that without the support of the community, LCDA chairman, the government, we can do little. With tremendous support, the DPO Opadola Oluwatoyin Elizabeth has been able do so much as I was told that this place use to be the hideout of criminals, drug addict, drug peddlers and all sort of criminals and that when she came here, she focused on this Obokun and other areas. The DPO suggested that why can’t we build a police post here and the Chairman magnanimously agreed to do that, and that is what we are commissioning today.’
‘I am very optimistic that the presence of the Police Force will go a long way. I promise that before I hand over on Tuesday I’ll send some police officers here. I want to sincerely thank the Chairman again, he has done very well and I pray the Lord will keep strengthening him to do more for the community. We can see better development on the grassroots if we have an articulate Chairman who will always want to do more.’
On the reason for embarking on the project, CSP Opadola Oluwatoyin Elizabeth said at the commissioning of the completed Police outpost at Obokun Ojodu, on the 15th September 2024. ‘Today’s event has two objectives – it is an important part of our effort to improve the lives and livelihood of our police officers and another important milestone in the history of Ojodu division as it is evidently clear that establishing adequate security is integral. The Chairman of Ojodu LCDA has committed significant resources to projects such as this. The cumulative impact of this project will be the improvement of security and the consolidation of the economic and social life of the people of this area.’
‘It is a great honor to have the presence of my boss, AIG Adegoke M. Fayoade, mni, psc, an astute professional, a discipline and amiable boss in this gathering. Let me take the opportunity to once again commend the Chairman, Hon. David Odunmbaku, the community leader Alhaji Sanni, PCRC Chairman and other stakeholders for providing leadership and resilience amidst mounting challenges and ensuring that this project has a direct impact on the lives of the people.’
‘The outpost will be used judiciously and ensure the entire area will be secure also to bring sanity, especially against the influx of drug sellers and users in the area’, Opadola concluded.
On his part, the Executive Chairman of the Ojodu LCDA, Hon. Olusegun David Odunmbaku remarked: ‘I am honored to stand before you today in opening of Obokun police post in our beloved Ojodu. Let me acknowledge the presence and the effort of the PCRC and also the management team of the Ojodu Community Development Committee. This significant milestone underscores our unwavering commitment to enhance security and ensure the safety of our people. I am dedicated to providing a secure and peaceful environment where our residents can live, work and thrive. This Police post is a testament to our resolve to prioritize the well being of our community. I extend my heart felt gratitude to the Police Force especially, the DPO, CSP Opadola Oluwatoyin Elizabeth. This Police post will serve as a beacon of hope and reassurance to our residents, providing a visible presence of law enforcement, offering a safe haven for victims of crime.’
In conclusion however, Alhaji Stella Kokumo, the Chairman of APC in Ojodu, emphasized the essential role of the newly established police post in the community. She clarified that its primary purpose is to address the growing issue of drug peddling and prevent the youth from engaging in drug abuse. She stressed that the post is not intended to harass or unjustly arrest young people but to steer them toward a brighter future. Kokumo urged the youth to be law-abiding, reminding them that the law is impartial and that compliance is key to both their well-being and the community’s prosperity.
