Ogun Amotekun Faults Sahara Reporters, Says Outfit Well Funded by Gov. Abiodun
The Corps Commander of Amotekun in Ogun State, Brig. Gen. A.I. Adedigba (rtd), has dismissed as pure fiction, the story by controversial online news platform, SaharaReporters, alleging that the outfit was being underfunded by the Ogun State government.
Adedigba, who averred that the security outfit's collaborative frameworks with various security agencies and local stakeholders to foster intelligence-sharing and strategic responses to security challenges in the state are second to none, said Amotekun is being well funded by the Governor Dapo Abiodun administration, describing the report by Sahara Reporters as malicious, misleading, and lacking in substance.
Brig. Gen. Adedigba noted that since the inception of Amotekun in 2020, the administration had been steadfast in meeting its commitment to providing the necessary resources to ensure the effectiveness of this vital security initiative.
"Governor Abiodun was one of the governors who promptly inaugurated and empowered Amotekun in the state. He has prioritized the safety and well-being of Ogun residents, giving the security outfit 10 brand new Toyota Hilux patrol vehicles and also deploying a comprehensive approach to security through robust funding and other logistical support for Amotekun," he said.
The Commander noted that contrary to Sahara Reporters' false claim, substantial allocations to the tune of ₦731,770,793.53 were made to the outfit in 2024. This is against the sum of ₦103 million quoted by the newspaper in its report.
He added: "I can proudly say that our budget has been increased from this initial figure to ₦1.5 billion with the approval of the Ogun State House of Assembly for the year 2025.
"It is very unfortunate that the writer's sense of judgment was beclouded with mischief to the extent that he couldn't remember that it is during the same year under review that Ogun Amotekun moved to its newly constructed and well-furnished State Headquarters office accommodation, while the meager amount of ₦10 million claimed to have been spent on services is low compared to the monthly running cost specifically allocated for the operational costs of Amotekun, which includes funds designated for maintaining vehicles, office supplies, and essential operational resources.
"Such allocations ensure that our security personnel are well-equipped to protect our communities effectively," he added.
Adedigba also noted the significant investments of the state government in providing the necessary equipment to the outfit, which had enabled its personnel to carry out their duties effectively.
"The renovation of the old secretariat office complex with drilling of a borehole to address water challenges, and training programs were aimed at enhancing the skills of our security personnel were all executed.
"Furthermore, in the year 2024, the present administration, in its continued efforts at building a resilient and combative force, approved the recruitment and training of an additional 750 personnel to strengthen the numerical figure of the outfit. In his generous tendencies, the governor approved the payment of salaries for the new recruits counting from their days in camp, as well as two pairs of uniforms for each new operative with other kits to complete their attire.
"It is imperative to note that claims suggesting a lack of logistics are unfounded and do not reflect the truth of ongoing government support.
"With the current status of Amotekun in Ogun State, our collaborative frameworks with various security agencies and local stakeholders to foster intelligence-sharing and strategic responses to security challenges are second to none, as numerous training programs and workshops approved by the Governor have improved the operational capacity of our personnel.
"Also determined to make Ogun State a safe haven for businesses to thrive and residents to live without fear, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, two weeks ago, again handed over an additional operational vehicles and power bikes to Amotekun. With this, the Agency now have over 45 serviceable operational vehicles and 70 motor bikes in its inventory to conduct its daily activities.
"The operational vehicles clearly symbolize the government's unwavering dedication to a safer Ogun State.
"Additionally, the Governor has graciously approved the first batch of 500 additional personnel, barely two months after graduating 750 new operatives, with approval for two pairs of full kits (uniform and others), while their salaries have already received the kind approval of the governor with cash backing.
"I wonder how an unserious government that neglects security would have invested this much in an outfit like Amotekun.
"Let it be on record that the Ogun State Government remains committed to transparency and accountability in its dealings. As such, we encourage all stakeholders and members of the public to engage with official sources of information rather than rely on sensationalist reports. The budget documents and allocations are publicly accessible for scrutiny to affirm the government’s commitment to the security of the State," the Corps Commander said.
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