The Community Integrity Heritage Support Initiative (CIHSI) has expressed its readiness to partner with the Oyo State Government to enhance community security, promote integrity in governance, and revive Yoruba cultural values.
The National Coordinator of the organisation, Engr. (Dr.) Akinbolade Jones Adeniponye, stated this during a sensitisation rally held across strategic locations in Ibadan, including the Oyo State Secretariat Complex, Agodi, before concluding at the Palace of the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Governor Seyi Makinde received members of the group through his Executive Assistant on Security Matters, CP Sunday Odukoya (rtd), who commended CIHSI for complementing the government’s efforts in sustaining peace and stability in the state.
Odukoya said the administration has made significant investments in modern security infrastructure and remains committed to making Oyo one of the safest and most prosperous states in Nigeria.
“We urge residents to report any suspicious activity through the 615 emergency line or other approved channels,” he said.
At the Olubadan’s Palace, Chief Kola Balogun, who represented the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, received the delegation and commended the initiative, assuring the group of the palace’s support toward achieving its objectives.
Earlier at the Secretariat, Dr. Adeniponye explained that CIHSI was founded to provide community-driven solutions aligned with government development priorities.
He described security as a shared responsibility, noting that the Makinde administration has demonstrated commitment to safeguarding lives and property through improved logistics, better street lighting, and enhanced patrol systems.
“As His Excellency always says, when you see something, say something. That has helped security agencies respond faster to threats, allowing our people to sleep with their two eyes closed,” he said.
Adeniponye said CIHSI’s intervention model is anchored on two strategic pillars — integrity governance and heritage promotion.
According to him, the integrity governance pillar focuses on expanding employment and enterprise opportunities at the grassroots, while the heritage component seeks to restore the moral and cultural values that have defined Yoruba civilisation.
He observed that nations such as China, Japan, Singapore, and India have successfully embedded cultural values into public governance, thereby sustaining development progress and social cohesion.
Adeniponye also announced plans to launch the Yoruba Heritage Renaissance, a programme expected to lead to the establishment of the Yoruba Heritage Council, which will promote cultural education, language preservation, and community-based empowerment through structured institutions.
He added that CIHSI plans to establish Community Governance Centres across Oyo State to enhance local surveillance, monitoring, and rapid response capacity beyond existing community development associations.
“The role of communities in ensuring safety cannot be overemphasised. When crimes occur, the community is the first point of contact. Strengthening their capacity for intelligence gathering, record keeping, and swift response is essential to safer neighbourhoods. This is the foundation of our collaboration with the government,” he said.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies, stressing that sustainable security and good governance can only thrive when citizens are actively involved.
