Hon. Oladele John Nihi, Special Adviser to the Kogi State Governor on Youth and Student Matters, has donated two motorcycles to the Vigilante and Hunters Associations in Aiyegunle Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area, as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots security and improve community safety.
The presentation, which took place in Aiyegunle Gbede, attracted traditional leaders, community stakeholders and residents. The motorcycles were formally handed over to the Olu of Aiyegunle Gbede, Oba Lateef Haruna, representatives of the Community Development Association (CDA), as well as members of the local vigilante and hunters’ groups.
Speaking during the donation, Nihi said the initiative aligned with the Kogi State Government’s commitment to tackling insecurity, crime and other criminal activities across the state, particularly at the community level. He noted that effective security requires collaboration between government institutions and local structures that understand the terrain and dynamics of their communities.
According to him, the motorcycles will significantly enhance the operational efficiency of the vigilante and hunters’ groups by improving mobility, surveillance and rapid response to security threats within Aiyegunle Gbede and its surrounding areas.
“This is my modest contribution to the collective fight against insecurity in our state and community. Security is a shared responsibility, and everyone must play a role in protecting lives and property,” Nihi said.
The special adviser described the donation as part of his broader commitment to community development and improving the welfare of the people, particularly in his home community of Aiyegunle Gbede. He emphasised that empowering local security outfits was critical to sustaining peace and fostering development at the grassroots.
Nihi cautioned the beneficiaries to ensure that the motorcycles were used strictly for security operations and not for personal purposes. He stressed that accountability and discipline were essential to achieving the desired impact of the intervention.
“These motorcycles are meant to serve the community. They must be used responsibly and solely for official security duties,” he warned.
He also called on youths in the community to actively support security agencies and local security groups by providing timely information and cooperating in efforts to prevent crime.
“Our youths must partner with the police, vigilante groups and hunters to keep our community safe. When we work together, we can build a secure and prosperous environment for everyone,” he added.
In his remarks, the Olu of Aiyegunle Gbede, Oba Lateef Haruna, praised Nihi for the thoughtful and timely intervention, describing it as a practical step toward addressing local security challenges. He assured the donor that the community would ensure the motorcycles were properly managed and deployed to enhance safety.
Nihi was accompanied to the event by Hon. Eniola Olayemi, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Grassroots Sensitisation, and Hon. Kunle Ola, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Grassroots Mobilisation.
Community members expressed gratitude for the donation and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting both government-led and community-based security initiatives aimed at sustaining peace and development in the area.
