Oyo approves N59.7m for take-off of Amotekun

The Oyo state government has approved the sum of N59.7 million as grant for the take-off of the Western Nigeria Security Network code-named: Amotekun.

Wasiu Olatunbosun, the commissioner for information, culture and tourism, disclosed this on Tuesday after the state’s 19th virtual executive meeting.

According to Olatunbosun, the executive council approved the fund for the procurement of 3000 units of uniforms, combat boots, lanyard, baseball hats, security belts, worsted boots, and the production of the logo to distinguish the personnel from other security agencies in the state.

“Further on the establishment of the State Security Network, codenamed ‘Operation Amotekun’ and for the effective take-off of the agency, the State Executive Council has approved the procurement of 3000 units of uniforms and accouterments such as combat boots, lanyard, baseball hats, security belts, worsted socks, production of Amotekun and Oyo State logo for 3000 Amotekun corps to be recruited into the agency at a total sum of N59.7m,” Olatunbosun said.

“The uniforms and accouterments which will be given to each recruited Amotekun Corp will serve as a form of identity for the corps and will distinguish them from other security agencies in the state.”

Amotekun was launched by the south-western states on January 9 to amplify the efforts of the police in tackling challenges of insecurity including kidnapping and banditry in the region.

Olatunbosun said the council also approved funds for re-accreditation of Adeoyo Maternity at Yemetu in Ibadan into a full-fledged teaching hospital, as the accreditation initially got was withdrawn.

He said the hospital would henceforth serve as residence training and gynaecology centre to add value to the health institution.

He added that the  procurement of medical equipment for the teaching hospital would cost N75.8m.

“In pursuant of this lofty goal, the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria has visited Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital and the team has notified the state government of their intention to give re-accreditation to Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital,” he said.

“The equipment to be procured includes six hydraulic delivery beds, two theatre electronic/automatic tables and one Laparoscope plus one hysteroscope. Others are one Colposcope, two CTG, two Ultrasound, four Angle Poise Lamps and one bowl anaesthetic machine.

“Summary of the equipment for re-accreditation of Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital at a total cost of N75, 877,600.00, the facility is expected to be ready for reaccreditation before the end of the year 2020.”