The Director-General of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, Dr. Seye Oyeleye, has issued a strong warning that governments, security agencies, and stakeholders in the Southwest must take decisive action to prevent terrorism from gaining a foothold in the region. This call follows the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, which he described as a deeply troubling incident.
Wake-Up Call for Regional Leaders
Dr. Oyeleye made these remarks during a courtesy visit by executive members of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State, to the commission’s headquarters in Ibadan. He emphasized that recent security challenges in parts of the Southwest, particularly the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, should serve as an urgent wake-up call for leaders across the region.
“We will keep working to ensure that Oriire does not repeat itself. We won’t fold our hands. It is a tragic thing and a burden to us. Oriire must not happen here again in the Southwest,” he stated.
Consequences of Inaction
According to Oyeleye, allowing terrorism and organized criminality to take hold in the region could have severe repercussions for national security and development. “We must not allow terrorism to take root in the Southwest. If that happens, it may be the end of Nigeria. We will work with our principals [Southwest Governors] and the media to ensure that terrorism does not repeat itself,” he added.
The DAWN Commission Director-General stressed the need for stronger collaboration among state governments, security agencies, traditional institutions, communities, and the media to safeguard the region. He also urged journalists to maintain professionalism and responsibility in their reporting, warning against the spread of fake news and misinformation, which could exacerbate security challenges and erode public trust.
Oyeleye noted that the media plays a strategic role in nation-building and should continue to promote factual reporting, public enlightenment, and developmental journalism.
Media Partnership and Capacity Building
Earlier, the Chairman of the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel, Oyo State, Comrade Yinka Adeniran, commended the commission for its dedication to regional development and called for deeper collaboration between the media and DAWN Commission. He stated that journalists are critical partners in advancing the Southwest development agenda and fostering public engagement on regional issues.
Other executive members present during the visit included Vice Chairman Comrade Remi Koleoso, Secretary Comrade Rotimi Agboluaje, Financial Secretary Ogbeni Olawale Ajao, Auditor Mrs. Abiola Olowe, and Assistant Secretary Comrade Kazeem Awojoodu.
The commission’s Head of Media Department, Segun Balogun, expressed readiness to partner with journalists through training programs, annual lectures, and media-focused initiatives aimed at promoting development-oriented reporting across the Southwest. He assured the chapel of the commission’s support in capacity-building and digital media development to strengthen professional journalism in the region.
Other attendees included Head of Economic Department and Research Dr. Adesoji Farayibi, Head of Government and Data Analysis Dr. Omolara Ejiade, and Executive Assistant to the Director-General Ms. Alice Afolabi.
