The Oyo State Government has ramped up efforts to enforce public order and improve community safety with two major initiatives — a final warning to roadside traders at Ogunpa Central Market in Ibadan, and the official inauguration of a statewide Vigilante Committee aimed at enhancing grassroots security.

Roadside Traders Given Final Notice at Ogunpa

During a sensitization campaign on July 8, the Chairman of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), Major Adekoya Adesagba (rtd.), declared that enforcement against roadside trading would begin on July 21, 2025. He said the operation would target illegal parking, obstruction of public roads, and unregulated display of wares around the bustling Ogunpa Market area.

“We are here to enlighten the traders on the state government’s plan to clear illegal trading activities from the roads around the Ogunpa Central Market. We’ve advised that traders maintain a reasonable distance from the road setback. Roadside trading will no longer be tolerated,” Major Adesagba said.

Describing street trading as a threat to life, property, and traffic flow, Adesagba stressed that traders must comply with state guidelines or face sanctions. He said the enforcement is aligned with Governor Seyi Makinde’s directive to clear road obstructions and ensure safer, more functional public spaces.

“Placing wares along the main roads endangers both customers and business owners,” he added.

In response, Prince Gbenga Atitebi, President-General of the Ogunpa Market Traders Association, acknowledged the negative effects of roadside trading on customer accessibility.

“We understand that indiscriminate roadside trading has hurt customers’ turnout, and we are ready to work with the government on compliance,” Atitebi said.

Also speaking, Iyaloja of Ibadan Southwest LGA, High Chief Kudirat Aloba, appealed to the government to support efforts aimed at ensuring full compliance among roadside vendors.

“We appeal to the state government to come to our aid in ensuring that those selling at the roadside comply with the directives,” she said.

Vigilante Committee Sworn In to Boost Security Across LGAs

In a separate but complementary development, the Oyo State Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Social Inclusion on the same day inaugurated a Vigilante Committee to strengthen community-based security. A total of 10 State Coordinators and 33 Local Government Commanders were sworn in at the Local Government Staff Training Centre, Secretariat, Ibadan.

While administering the oath of office, Commissioner Mrs. Toyin Balogun said the committee’s role is to tackle social unrest, promote equity, and work closely with women-focused groups to address domestic violence, child abuse, and trafficking.

“True security extends beyond patrols and checkpoints. It requires trust, collaboration, and addressing the root causes of unrest,” Balogun stated.

She emphasized that the Makinde-led administration remains committed to empowering the committee through capacity-building programs and moral support.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. (Mrs.) Mofoluwake Ibitoye, echoed the importance of justice in security operations.

“Security must be anchored on equity and justice,” she said, urging members to uphold integrity and community trust.

In his acceptance speech, Commandant Alhaji Olabanji Abiodun expressed gratitude to the state government, pledging full commitment to the mandate.

“We are thankful for this opportunity and promise to work diligently to ensure order and safety at the local level,” he said.

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by senior government officials, security operatives, traditional leaders, and civil society stakeholders.

With the simultaneous execution of enforcement against roadside trading and the launch of grassroots security architecture, Oyo State has signaled a robust and coordinated strategy to restore public order, protect lives, and support socio-economic development.

The 2025 edition of the Tochlight Africa Safety Summit and Award (TASSA) took center stage at the LCCI Conference & Exhibition Centre in Lagos, spotlighting the urgent need for a safety-conscious society as a foundation for national development.

Themed “Bridging Security Gaps for a Safety-Conscious Society: A Holistic Approach,” the summit gathered security experts, policymakers, traditional rulers, and industry stakeholders to dissect Nigeria’s evolving security challenges and craft pragmatic solutions.

Representing the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, was Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Khan Khan Shalihu. In his opening address, DCP Shalihu conveyed the CP’s core message: public safety is a shared responsibility, requiring vigilance and participation from every citizen.

“Safety is a shared responsibility that requires the active participation of all citizens,” CP Jimoh emphasized. “We cannot build a secure Nigeria unless everyone—government, private sector, communities, and individuals—plays their part.”

Summit Unites Stakeholders for Holistic Solutions

The summit was graced by several high-ranking officials, including:

Kehinde Hamzat, Sector Commander, FRSC Lagos

Abubakar Liman Wali, Commander, NDLEA Lagos Strategy Command (represented by ACN Adewole Timothy)

Dr. Ayo Ogunsan, Board Member, Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF)

Engr. Jamiu Badmos, Founding Partner, Finsbury Heinz Ltd & Special Adviser on Health to the Lagos State Governor

Dr. Olukemi Ogunyemi, Health Sector Representative

Dr. Moses Oladimeji, Chairman, POCACOV Lagos State

Oba Ibrahim Lawal, Oba of Isheri Olofin Kingdom

Alhaji Ahmed Haruna Kuraja, Seriki overall of Alimosho

Dr. Osagie Edward, PRO, NIMASA

CSP Opadola Elizabeth Oluwatoyin, DPO, Ojodu Division

CSP Solomon Komolafe, DPO, Bode Thomas Division

Commander, Vigilante Lagos State

Business Development Manager, Aiicon Insurance

Representative of Dr. DK Olukoya, Founder/General Overseer, MFM

These stakeholders collectively discussed how inter-agency collaboration and public education can bridge existing security gaps. From road safety to drug enforcement and urban crime prevention, participants emphasized synergy and data sharing across sectors.

Recognition and Renewed Commitment

The TASSA 2025 Awards honoured individuals and institutions that have made remarkable contributions to public safety and security advancement. The awards served as both recognition and a call to action, reinforcing the belief that national growth cannot thrive without secure communities.

The event also reaffirmed attendees’ commitment to deploying the knowledge gained at the summit in their respective sectors.

“The insights from this summit will influence our safety policy reviews and field operations,” said Commander Kehinde Hamzat of FRSC.

A Lasting Impact

Organizers of TASSA 2025 were widely applauded for convening such a multi-stakeholder dialogue on safety and national development. The summit’s outcomes are expected to ripple across sectors as participants return to implement fresh strategies that promote security consciousness.

As Nigeria continues its journey toward socio-economic transformation, forums like TASSA remain vital in equipping stakeholders with the tools and networks needed to protect lives and livelihoods.

In a strategic push to strengthen Nigeria’s national security consciousness, The Tochlight Africa has announced the maiden edition of The Tochlight Africa Safety Summit and Award (TASS2025). The event is scheduled for Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the LCCI Conference & Exhibition Center, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

The summit aims to bring together Nigeria’s top security operatives, civil society actors, corporate safety advocates, emergency responders, and community leaders under one roof to explore actionable solutions for creating a safer and more secure society.

According to Ms. Fanayajo Ranti, publisher of TheTochlightAfrica.com and convener of the summit, TASS2025 is set to be more than a conventional conference.

“TASS2025 is not just a summit, it’s a clarion call to Nigerians to elevate the culture of safety and security. Our progress as a nation is deeply tied to how safe our environment is for business, education, governance, and daily life,” Ms. Ranti said.

With the theme, “Bridging Security Gaps for a Safety-Conscious Society: A Holistic Approach,” the summit will examine urgent national security challenges while promoting integrated frameworks to protect lives, support sustainable peace, and accelerate national growth.

Key Highlights of TASS2025:

Panel Sessions: Featuring leading voices from the Nigeria Police Force, FRSC, NSCDC, NDLEA, Fire Service, and private security entities.

Workshops: On best practices in modern safety management and emergency preparedness.

Exhibitions: By security technology providers, emergency services, and health safety organizations.

Awards Ceremony: Honouring individuals and institutions committed to championing safety and security in Nigeria.

Participants are expected from government agencies, corporate security firms, and grassroots organizations, making TASS2025 a convergence of ideas and impact.

“Our goal is to inspire a new era of collaboration—across institutions and communities—to secure Nigeria’s future,” Ms. Ranti concluded.