President Bola Tinubu has assured residents of Oyo State and the South-West that the Federal Government is intensifying efforts to secure the release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area, declaring that all necessary measures are being deployed to ensure their safe return.
Tinubu also said his administration was strengthening the nation’s security architecture to tackle rising cases of kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes across the country.
The President, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, gave the assurance on Thursday during the commissioning of the remodelled Premier Hotel in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
According to him, the Federal Government is working with local and international partners to rescue the abductees and curb criminal activities threatening lives and economic activities.
He said, “I wish to reassure the good people of Oyo State and indeed the South-West that the Federal Government is seriously addressing the upswing in banditry, kidnapping and associated criminalities across the nation.
“Every realistic measure, including international collaboration, is being taken to ensure that the kidnapped victims in Oriire Local Government are safely brought home without harm or avoidable loss of life.”
The President urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing timely intelligence, stressing that community participation, as well as the involvement of traditional and religious leaders, remained critical in the fight against insecurity.
Tinubu noted that his administration had continued to enhance intelligence gathering, inter-agency cooperation, technological surveillance and operational support for security agencies as part of efforts to improve national security.
He disclosed that moves were underway to strengthen policing structures nationwide through ongoing legislative processes at the National Assembly.
“There is an ongoing process in the National Assembly targeted at enhancing policing at all levels. We hope to roll this out in no distant future,” he said.
The President expressed confidence that reforms introduced in the security sector were beginning to yield positive results in parts of the country, adding that the government would sustain its efforts until Nigerians could live and conduct business without fear.
Speaking on the economy, Tinubu said his administration’s reforms were aimed at addressing long-standing structural challenges and creating a foundation for sustainable growth.
He stated that investor confidence was improving, strategic investments were increasing and key sectors of the economy were showing signs of recovery.
The President further described the redevelopment of Premier Hotel as a reflection of growing investor confidence in Nigeria’s economy and a symbol of renewed optimism about the country’s future.
“Today, what we are celebrating is not just the reopening of a hotel, but the restoration of a true national icon,” he said.
He commended the six South-West states that own Odu’a Investment Company Limited for preserving and modernising one of the region’s most historic assets.
Representing Governor Seyi Makinde, the Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Prof. Muisibau Babatunde, described the project as a landmark achievement that would boost tourism, hospitality and economic development in the region.
Also speaking, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa said the reopening of the hotel symbolised resilience, renewal and confidence in the South-West economy, while Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said the project demonstrated the value of preserving heritage while pursuing modern economic development.
Chairman of Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, said the hotel, established in 1966 as the flagship hospitality facility of the old Western Region, had been transformed into a five-star destination.
According to him, the facility’s accommodation capacity has increased from 87 rooms to 154 luxury rooms and suites while retaining its historic architectural character.
