Oyo And Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun); The Difference Is Clear! -By Segun Adebowale

The results of my observatory investigation of the Ondo and Oyo State Security Network Agency inform me in-depth that the discrepancy between the work experience of Ondo State Security Network Agency Amotekun management team while in para-military service is as far as the heaven is to the earth when place side by side for comparison with experience and management team of other Southwest states of Nigeria especially the Oyo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun). The performance of each of these two States management team of newly established regional security outfit is a good indication and evidence that the arrow heads in the formal were either frustrated out of service or passively involved in personnel management and development while in their respective place of work whereas the later involved in personnel management and development who eventually retired from their active and meritorious service with full spirit of developing their community and state(which they are doing to change Ondo State for best). What inform my sense of comparison and judgment is the fruit of the administration of the Oyo and the Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun) which I will try my best to convince you to investigate rather than leaving you in a state of confusion. This in-depth comparison shall be based on these two criteria; experience, education and personnel development to establish my opinion and observation.

Firstly, in making nomination and appointment for a person working experience and relevancy of the nominees are to considered, so as to use the accumulated experience gained in past or present work place to develop where such person is being nominated for or appointed to serve is expected to develop and manage the newly established parastatal, like Oyo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun). The Salary scheme and hierarchy structure of the Ondo State Amotekun corps is a good indication that the Ondo State Security Network Agency Amotekun management team prove their worthiness that as an experienced ex-servicemen, to effectively manage and direct affairs of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, there should be hierarchal relationship among it’s operatives, and this definitely call for chain of command and salary schemes as it done to them while serving their father’s land. Military or para-military signal (rank) to distinguish senior officers from junior officers. There is distinct hierarchical relation among the Ondo State Amotekun operatives, and this is one of important principle that a successful administrator must put to use. But the Oyo State Amotekun corps is without rank and therefore operating a flat salary scheme structure. 

The fact still remains that interns of experience, the management team of the Oyo State Security Network Agency Amotekun are well constituted by his Excellency Engineer Seyi Makinde following the recommendation of the Oyo State Attorney General, is only that the level of promiscuity in the composition of the Agency management team is high. Many of the board members and all seconded from civil service are intentionally using the system operating in the agency to misappropriate public funds allocated to the Oyo State Security Network Agency, having known that if established conventional Para-military structure (professionalism) should be operated the corrupt practice will be impossible for them. The management team has no interest in sharing power with the Amotekun operatives who are qualified and can inquire into any of the Oyo State Security Network Agency fund misappropriation. The management team of Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun) fails to see administration beyond this corrupt and embarrassing practice adopt by the Oyo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun) Board of Governance. The cognate experiences of the Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun) management team inform them that for effective administration in the Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun) there should be area command offices or administrative zones as it is mapped out by the Ondo State Amotekuns Establishing law 2020. 

When compare the administration of Ondo and Oyo State Security Network Agency management team, obviously, one will conclude that the Ondo State Security Network Agency management team make us of wealth of administrative experience acquired while in military or para-military service, even as serving director or deputy director posted to the newly established Security outfit. This administrative experience reflects on creation of various departments within the Ondo State Security Network Agency for each category of Ondo State Amotekun operatives.

An experienced and good administrator gives certain subvention to each of its branch as office maintenance on monthly basis, this is strictly maintained by the Ondo State Security Network Agency management team but the Oyo State Security Network Agency management team subjects its Local Government Amotekun offices to extortion of members of public, which technically referred to as “bail and bribe. A good administrator would try all possible ways to deter its personnel from being corrupt as it had been done by the Ondo State Security Network Agency management team but the Oyo State Security Network Agency management team gives legitimate chances for Oyo State Amotekun operatives to corrupt. The administrative system operating in the Oyo State Security Network Agency gives room for certain behaviors that are taboo to security personnel.

Listening to the Oyo State Security Network Agency through the Oyo State Amotekun Commandant / the Oyo State Amotekun spoke person Colonel Olayinka Olayaju on several occasions, especially on a radio interview aired on the 26th of July, 2022 by Fresh fm and an online TV interview on 17th August, 2022 via Ore TV, during Oyo State 2022 Amotekun recruitment screening, the Oyo State Security Network Agency management team has decided to make Education / Academic qualification irrelevant for the profession, at this 21st Century, when Education is key to a successful and meaningful living, the management team of the Oyo State Security Network Agency has decided to break the bridge that connected them to the post they are holding now, what an irony? Indeed, the Oyo State Security Network Agency management team is a paradox. If the Oyo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun) Board of Governance were to chairman the negotiation between the ASSU and the federal government, imagine their decision on ASSU strike. Book-haram administration / regime in the Oyo State Security Network Agency shall definitely end soon.

What message did these quotes from these popular scholars pass to the Oyo State Security Network Management team?

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.  Nelson Mandela

An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.  Benjamin Franklin

Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.  John Dewey

Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.  Malcolm X

The importance of Education on Educated people cannot be overemphasized in this contemporary society, I want to assume that these importance of education may not be cleared to the Oyo State Security Network (Amotekun) Management team, (although it clear to them, because it is Education that make them be what they are and where they are presently, is only that the management team are just being callous) 

Here are the globally accepted and workable importances of Education on Educated person. The importance of education is seen in every aspect of life of an individual, and is especially crucial for the growth of a society and nation.                       With education, people can become better citizens, knowing right from wrong, creating for a better society, where laws and orders are followed. An educated nation knows about the importance of voting, doing so with the knowledge, not blindly, but also having an understanding of what their party truly stands for. Education can also help people get jobs, which is what a nation thrives on.

What are some other reasons why Education is important?

There are endless reasons why education is so important, especially since it also has endless connotations and meanings.

Education can allow us to get to know ourselves better than ever. We can learn things about ourselves, whether it be through books, courses, or even consulting with a professional.

Education is the best way to ensure a positive world value and view. Without a proper education, how else do we know what is considered appropriate and how to behave? Education is needed to think sharply and clearly!

There are lots of benefits showing why Education is important to the Oyo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun) management team, and the Oyo State Amotekun operatives / personnel, Community and Society at large.

Creating More Employment Opportunities: Finding a job is not easy, especially in times of economic turmoil. You often need to compete with hundreds of other candidates for a vacant position. In addition, the lower the education level, the greater the number of people applying for the same low-paying entry-level post. However, with the right qualifications and educational background, you will increase your chances of landing a fulfilling job. Learn, educate yourself, graduate and get as many qualifications, skills, knowledge, and experience as possible. Do not mind the dreadful conditions that the Board of Governance of the Oyo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun) subjects the educated among the Oyo State operatives to.

Developing Problem-solving Skills: One of the benefits of education is that the educational system teaches us how to obtain and develop critical and logical thinking and make independent decisions. When children become adults, they are faced with a lot of challenging issues  pay off your student loans, get a job, buy a car and a house, provide for your family, etc. However, if one has spent years educating themselves, they should be able to make sound decisions on these various quandaries. Not only are people able to form their own opinions, but they are also good at finding solid and reliable arguments and evidence to back up and confirm their decisions. 

Creating Modern Society: Education is of key essence for modern society. One needs to learn about culture, history and other important aspects so that they would be able to contribute to modern society. Education molds people into leaders not only with knowledge about (college) subjects, but it also shows them how to lead with emotions and true values. Educated people can easily differentiate between right and wrong, thus education helps reduce the crime rate. Bad events are happening around the world  only competent leaders can help guide us down a good and right path. 

Improving the Security and Economy: Education helps countries to improve and plan for a best security measures for securing lives and properties of the citizens which invariably leads to economic growth of the nation. Since it is about getting knowledge and being able to apply it wisely to our lives and, at the same time, improving other peoples lives. A safe nation attracts investors.  

Giving back to the Community: How does education benefit society? Educated people understand how valuable it is to live in a stable and secure community. They are more prone to taking part in projects that help improve not only their neighborhood but society, as well. In addition, when people are able to afford their own home, they are more likely to take part not only in improving their homes but in solving local problems, as well. After all, it is quite important to get involved and give a hand to the less fortunate ones in order to build a better place for all of us to live in.

Bridging the Borders: Digital education helps connect with people and organizations around the world. Borders are no longer there. Being able to communicate and share opinions with people from other countries and cultures widens horizons and helps us understand and appreciate each other. 

Creating equal opportunities: The importance of education in society has always been great as it is irrespective of caste, race, gender, religion. Educated people are treated as equals on the basis of their knowledge and competence. In addition to this, educated people are open-minded and are able to listen and accept other peoples views regardless of the fact of how different they are. Education offers a possibility to live independently and thus be free. It is our shelter against financial storms and wrong decisions. This is one of the reasons that the Oyo State Amotekun Board of Governance is trying to avoid.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world, as Nelson Mandela said. It helps people become better citizens, gets a better-paid job, and shows the difference between good and bad. Education shows us the importance of hard work and, at the same time, helps us grow and develop. Thus, we are able to shape a better society to live in by knowing and respecting rights, laws, and regulations. Learning languages through educational processes helps interact with different people in order to exchange ideas, knowledge and good practices. It teaches us to live in harmony. 

In nut-shell, the root of the differences between the Ondo and Oyo State Security Network is simply the type of people appointed and seconded from the Oyo State Civil Service Commission to over-see the affair of Western Nigeria Security Network (WNSN) of each State. Therefore, is better for the Western Nigeria Security Network Agency to have a Central Administration for a better and common progressive development to occur in the region. 

The Ondo State Amotekuns commandant along with his management team show their cognate experience as retired Deputy Commandant General of NSCDC, other management team as retired Military, Police and serving Civil Servants by applying professionalism to the administration of the Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun) while the Oyo State Amotekuns Commandant and the Oyo State Amotekun Board of Governance along with the Directors seconded from the Civil Service Commission, though full of experience, but decided to apply unprofessionalism to the administration of the Oyo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun) affair, just because of their selfish interest. 

Sincerely, everybody appreciate the pro-active measure taken by the Ondo State Government and the Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun) to secure lives and properties of its citizens and the outstanding administrative performance (professionalism) toward making the Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun) first Class Security Agency in among the States operating the Western Nigeria Security Network (WNSN), which expected to metamorphosis into State Police, if eventually approved by the Nigeria Government. It is law of nature that wherever something stands another thing will be directly stood by it, so as to make comparison. Ondo State Security Network Agency, you lead while others follow. Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun) is being operates in just two States of Nigeria; ONDO State and the rest States. Ondo State, keep the professionalism operating, you (Ondo State) are great!!!