The Chairman of RIDSCo, Mr. Sammy Ogunjimi, in his welcome address, lauded the synergy between private sector actors and grassroots stakeholders, describing the event as a testament to what unified development efforts can achieve. He specifically appreciated Axxela, Lafarge Africa Plc, the Ogun State Police Command, and the people of the Isoso community for their unwavering contributions toward achieving what he described as “a milestone in community-driven security infrastructure.”
In a detailed historical account, the head of Isoso Family, Alhaji G.K. Oladipo recounted the journey that birthed the station. According to him, the community’s struggle against land encroachers began in earnest in February 2016 and was successfully thwarted through the intervention of then-Deputy Inspector General of Police, a son of the soil, Peter Babatunde Ogunyanwo (Rtd), and legal backing. This triumph paved the way for the family to donate land for the proposed station in 2018.
Construction began in 2020 with foundational work and perimeter fencing executed by the family. Notable among early contributors was a legal practitioner and the Bamofin of Remoland, Barrister Bayo Onafuwa, who donated blocks for the structure. However, progress slowed until the GRA Residents Association facilitated RIDSCo’s involvement, leading to the final construction phase, furnishing, and installation of modern security features.
Despite a setback in 2024 when vandals damaged electrical fittings, RIDSCo swiftly intervened again, replacing all stolen components and reaffirming their commitment to community safety. Alhaji Oladipo noted that such resilience and timely response showed RIDSCo’s deep dedication to the well-being of Sagamu communities.
The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo accompanied by his Assistants and all DPO’s in Sagamu, praised the Isoso Police Station as “one of the best in class” among existing police infrastructure in the country. He said the opening was justified considering the distance of the closest station to Isoso which is more than 20 kilometers. The Commissioner of Police stressed the need for strong police presence in a fast growing industrial town like Sagamu, which he described as evolving from its historical status as a spiritual hub to a rapidly expanding economic center. He called on residents to hold the Police accountable, pledging prompt responses to any lapses in security delivery.
In a royal message delivered by HRH Oba Adewale Osiberu, the Elepe of Epe—on behalf of HRM Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland—the call for enhanced policing capacity was amplified. Oba Osiberu urged the Ogun State Police Command to create three new Area Commands across Remoland and establish at least four additional police stations within Sagamu Local Government. He singled out Ode-Lemo as a flashpoint requiring urgent divisional headquarters to stem rising security concerns.
The commissioning ceremony attracted key stakeholders, including representatives from Lafarge Africa Plc, led by Mr. Gabriel Pollyn, immediate Chairman of RIDSCo, Olootu Omoba M.O. Oyedele, representative of Asiwaju of Remoland, Mrs Sola Animashaun, Chief Paddy Arikawe, youth leaders, traditional chiefs, and executive members of RIDSCo. The community-based event also served as a platform for dialogue on security, civic responsibility, and inclusive development in Sagamu and its environs.
In his closing remarks, RIDSCo Chairman, Mr. Ogunjimi reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to partnering with both the government and private sector in delivering sustainable community projects. “This station is not just a building—it is a symbol of security, progress, and partnership,” he stated. Mrs. Kudirat Ogunbanjo, the chairman GRA Exclusive Estate and Extension, delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of the Isoso Family, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all contributors, promising continued support for the police and stakeholders involved in community advancement.
