OTUNBA AYODEJI OSIBOGUN ON COMMUNITY SECURITY AND SERVICE - Sponsor Post

Community security is not built by slogans or sudden reactions; it is built through steady service, shared identity, and the courage of ordinary people who refuse to abandon their communities in times of fear. Between 2017 and 2022, Yorùbáland experienced a period of deep tension and uncertainty. Many communities felt exposed, unsure of who would stand with them or how to protect their way of life. It was within this climate that I found myself contributing to efforts aimed at strengthening community vigilance and restoring confidence among our people.

This work was never about personal recognition. It was about service—about standing with communities when silence would have been easier. Working alongside men and women of courage, we focused on reminding our people of who they are, what they represent, and the collective strength that comes from unity. One of the first steps in this direction was supporting the installation of 93 territorial billboards across strategic locations. These billboards were more than physical structures; the inscription was "This is Yorubaland " Ile Yoruba Niyi. They served as constant reminders of identity, heritage, and responsibility, reinforcing the idea that community security begins with shared values and collective awareness.

Beyond symbolism, practical action was essential. In Oyo State, over 500 hunters were equipped with basic tools for community defence. These were individuals who already understood the terrain, the people, and the responsibility that comes with protecting lives and property. Providing them with support was a way of strengthening existing structures rather than imposing unfamiliar systems. It affirmed trust in local knowledge and emphasized that effective security is rooted in community participation.

In Ado-Ekiti, the sense of unity was equally powerful. Standing with over 700 hunters there, the message was clear: no community stands alone. The gathering was not merely a show of numbers but a statement of shared purpose and resolve. It reinforced solidarity among defenders and reassured residents that their safety mattered and that collective action was possible even in difficult times.

Across Yorùbáland, wherever communities were under pressure, efforts were made to encourage local vigilantes and defenders. Sometimes this support came in the form of resources; other times, it was simply presence, dialogue, and moral encouragement. Listening to their concerns, acknowledging their sacrifices, and standing with them strengthened morale and helped sustain their commitment.

These experiences shaped my understanding of leadership and service. True community security is not imposed from above; it grows from within. It relies on trust, identity, and the willingness of people to protect one another. Between 2017 and 2022, the work done across Yorùbáland reaffirmed a simple truth: when communities are reminded of who they are and are supported to act together, resilience follows. Service, in this sense, becomes both a duty and a shared honour.

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