The Vice-Chancellor of Achievers University, Owo, Professor Omolola Irinoye, has emphasized the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in ensuring the security of Owo and its environs. She made this call during her goodwill message at the 1st Owo Community Security Summit, held at the Prof. Abubakar Adamu Rasheed Auditorium of Achievers University on Monday, 26th May, 2025.
Themed “Securing Owo and Its Environs: Strategies for Community Safety and Resilience,” the summit drew together key figures from the government, traditional institutions, security agencies, academia, and civil society to address the escalating security challenges confronting the region.
Speaking on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Governing Council, Senate, staff, and students of the University, Professor Irinoye described the summit as timely and crucial, noting that Owo’s security concerns had begun to threaten not only lives and property but also the region’s socioeconomic development.
“As a private university firmly rooted in this community, we have firsthand experience of the impact insecurity has had on education, business, and daily life,” she said. “At Achievers University, we believe security is not the sole responsibility of government or security agencies—it is a shared civic duty.”
While commending the efforts of the Ondo State Government under the leadership of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Prof. Irinoye affirmed Achievers University’s readiness to play an active role in community peacebuilding, civic responsibility, and security awareness. She urged participants to think innovatively and engage passionately for the good of Owo and its people, adding that the university remains committed to fostering a safe and thriving environment for learning and development.
The summit, convened by the Owo Local Government Council under the chairmanship of Hon. Tope Omolayo, featured a broad spectrum of participants. In attendance was the Special Adviser on Security to the Governor, Chief Olugbenga Atiba, who represented the Executive Governor. Also present were the Olowo of Owo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, and other revered Kabiyesis and Chiefs from the ten traditional domains in Owo Local Government. The event was chaired by Retired Honourable Justice Adesuyi Olateru-Olagbegi, and included heads of security agencies in Ondo State, religious leaders, state directors, and heads of non-indigenous communities.
