By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

A non-profit organisation, ‘Ishara Growth and Prosperity Foundation’, has donated a brand-new Toyota Hilux patrol vehicle to the Ogun State Police Command to strengthen security operations in Ishara-Remo, Remo North Local Government Area of the State.

The patrol vehicle, presented in Ishara, is expected to enhance police patrols and support ongoing efforts to combat criminal activities, particularly in the forested communities of the area.

The donation came one week, after the launch of ‘Operation Kosaye’, a security initiative introduced by the Inspector-General of Police to combat kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes across Ogun and Lagos States.

Speaking during the presentation, Chairman of the Foundation, Mr. Taiwo Bakare, said the intervention was informed by the urgent need to strengthen security architecture in the community and prevent the infiltration of criminal elements.

He noted that since the coronation of the Odemo of Ishara, the traditional ruler had placed security at the forefront of his administration by mobilising local vigilantes and hunters, with police approval, to comb the forests for criminal elements, facilitating the deployment of military personnel to strategic locations, and supporting the establishment of a permanent Area Command in the town.

Bakare stressed that security remained the foundation for sustainable development.

«”There can be no socio-economic development without security. That is why we decided to collaborate with the police by donating this brand-new Toyota Hilux patrol vehicle. This is just the beginning, because we have other initiatives that will benefit the people of Ishara,” he said.

He added that the foundation’s interventions were purely community-driven and not motivated by personal interest.

“What we are doing is for the masses and not for individuals. We are doing it selflessly and we are not expecting any reward or appreciation. If you see something, say something. More importantly, do whatever is lawful and necessary to help stop criminality,” Bakare said.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Ishara Development Council, Mr. Sesan Lawal, described the donation as a major milestone in the community’s efforts to improve security and safeguard lives and property.

According to him, the decision to donate the patrol vehicle followed extensive consultations among stakeholders, who agreed that investing in security was in the best interest of the community.

“Without security, there is no life. Growth, development and prosperity can only take place in a secure environment. That informed our decision to donate this vehicle to the police,” Lawal said.

He noted that the forested nature of Ishara made proactive security measures imperative.

“Ishara is a forested community and crimes now thrive in forest areas. The establishment of the Area Command has brought security closer to the people and significantly improved the response to security challenges,” he added.

Receiving the patrol vehicle on behalf of the Ogun State Police Command, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the foundation for its support and described the donation as a demonstration of effective community policing.

Ojajuni assured residents that the vehicle would be properly maintained and deployed to enhance patrols and improve security across the area.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling insecurity through intelligence-led policing and sustained collaboration with communities.

The donation ceremony was attended by community leaders, security stakeholders and residents, who described the initiative as a timely intervention aimed at strengthening ongoing efforts to protect lives and property in Ishara.