VIDEO: Why we purchased two surveillance aircraft for Oyo — Makinde

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has explained the rationale behind the state’s acquisition of two surveillance aircraft following their official delivery on Tuesday.

The governor said the aircraft were procured to strengthen security operations across Oyo State by improving surveillance over its vast landmass and complementing security personnel on the ground.

Makinde spoke after receiving the aircraft at the newly upgraded tarmac of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan, about one year after the state announced plans to acquire them as part of efforts to improve security.

He explained that the decision to purchase the aircraft was made long before the recent abduction of pupils and teachers at Ahoro Community Grammar School in Oriire Local Government Area, noting that the incident did not influence the state’s decision.

According to him, the size of Oyo State made it necessary for the government to invest in aerial surveillance to enable security agencies to monitor more areas within a shorter period.

The governor said some people had questioned the delay in the arrival of the aircraft. He added that the aircraft had now arrived and expressed confidence that the government would continue taking decisions that served the interest of the people.

Makinde also said insecurity could hinder meaningful development, adding that the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers had allowed the state to continue pursuing its development agenda.

ALSO READ: Oyo receives two surveillance aircraft to boost security operations

He disclosed that the aircraft were flown into Ibadan by Nigerian Air Force pilots, adding that the state had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to jointly operate the surveillance aircraft.

The governor assured residents that his administration would continue to serve the people and remain committed to protecting lives and property across the state.

He said, “He said, “When we took the decision to purchase this surveillance aircraft, it was because of the sheer landmass, the size of Oyo State. We knew that we had to complement the boots on the ground. We didn’t know Oriire was going to happen.

“You know, I’ve seen people criticise us and say, ‘Where’s the aircraft? Now they require it at Oriire.’ But we planned for the aircraft, you know, for us to be able to cover as much of the landmass in Oyo State as possible within the shortest possible time. I’m glad that now it’s here, and I believe we will always do what is right in the interest of our people.

“Because in an atmosphere of insecurity, you can hardly do anything. People say I look better now because our children are back, our teachers are back, and we’re moving on with the plan for Oyo State.”