Oyo Deputy Governor harps on security as Civil Defence decorates 160 promoted senior officers.
Oyo Deputy Governor harps on security as Civil Defence decorates 160 promoted senior officers.
Oyo State Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Tuesday, 20th January, 2026, decorated one hundred and sixty (160) senior officers promoted in the 2025 promotion exercise.
The decoration ceremony, which took place at the State Command Headquarters, Agodi, Ibadan, featured officers promoted to various senior ranks, including Deputy Commandants of Corps, Assistant Commandants of Corps, Chief Superintendents of Corps, Superintendents of Corps, Deputy Superintendents of Corps, Assistant Superintendents of Corps I, and Assistant Superintendents of Corps II.
SC Samuel Opebiyi, Public Relations Officer, NSCDC, Oyo State Command, stated this in a release.
In attendance was Barrister (Chief) Abdulraheem Lawal, the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, who represented the Executive Governor of Oyo State Engr Seyi Makinde. Other notable dignitaries included the Professor Peter Olapegba, Deputy Vice Chancellor, (Administration), University of Ibadan; the ACG Michael Adaralewa, Zonal Commander, NSCDC Zone 6, represented by Commandant Yomi Akeju; and Commandant Augustine Padonu, State Commandant, NSCDC, Oyo State Command.
Also present were representatives of sister security agencies, including the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, represented by CSP Oyedepo Abdul Oyeniyi; the Comptroller of Immigration Service, Oyo State Command, represented by DCI V. C. Onyeka; the Corps Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, Oyo State, DCC Olugbesan Bayode; the Controller of Correctional Service, Oyo State Command, represented by DCC Adepoju Kayode; the Commander, NDLEA, Oyo State, represented by DCN Dofun Joseph Setonji; the Comptroller, Nigeria Customs Service, Oyo/Osun Area Command, represented by Assistant Comptroller N. K. Tijani; the Deputy Controller, Federal Fire Service, Oyo State Command, represented by CSF Adeoye Olayiwola; and the Director, Department of State Services, represented by Assistant Director Jibri Bio Salihu.
Delivering his address, the Deputy Governor described security as the foundation upon which all development rests.
“Without security, nothing grows. The protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government, and the Oyo State Government, takes the issue of security seriously” he stated.
He noted that Oyo State’s vast landmass of approximately 28,000 square kilometres, spanning forest reserves, savannah, and forest zones, presents complex security challenges that require strategic coordination and committed leadership.
Commending the State Commandant, he praised the NSCDC’s operational reach across the length and breadth of the state, with particular reference to sustained efforts against illegal mining activities around Kishi, describing the Command’s approach as proactive and hands-on.
The Deputy Governor further highlighted the importance of inter-agency synergy, stressing that effective security delivery depends on collaboration among the Police, NSCDC, NDLEA, DSS, Correctional Service, Immigration, Customs, Fire Service, the Armed Forces, and other stakeholders.
He also observed that the decoration exercise serves as a morale booster and credibility signal, noting the high educational attainment of many of the decorated officers, including holders of HNDs, first degrees, and postgraduate qualifications.
Speaking on behalf of the Zonal Commander, NSCDC Zone 6, Commandant Yomi Akeju stated that promotion stagnation had long affected the Corps until decisive reforms commenced in 2024.
He revealed that over 40,000 NSCDC personnel nationwide have benefitted from promotions between 2023 and the present, following the clearance of accumulated backlogs.
He charged the promoted officers to understand that “to whom much is given, much is expected,” emphasizing that higher rank comes with greater responsibility, discipline, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the image of the Corps.
In his address, the State Commandant, Commandant Augustine Padonu, congratulated the promoted officers and reminded them that promotion is not an entitlement but a call to higher service.
He charged them to uphold professionalism, respect for human rights, operational discipline, and loyalty to the Corps, while assuring stakeholders of the Command’s continued commitment to protecting critical national assets, public infrastructure, and the people of Oyo State.
The ceremony thereafter entered the decoration stage as the names of the newly promoted officers were called in turn, and each officer marched forward to be formally decorated with their new ranks. The dignified process was witnessed by senior officers and an enthusiastic audience of families, friends, and well-wishers, adding colour and sign
ificance to the historic occasion.
