Osun to deploy drones, AI cameras in security overhaul
By Trek Africa Newspaper
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has said his administration has initiated a comprehensive security project in partnership with a Shanghai-listed firm to secure all parts of the state.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, a copy of which was obtained in Osogbo on Tuesday.
Rasheed said Adeleke and top executives of Hefei Shengwen Information Technology Company Limited handling the project met to discuss and finalise the details.
The spokesperson said the team from the Chinese firm was led by the Director, International Operations, Mr Cai Jianfei, and Manager, Overseas Operations, Mr Nemo Guo.
Highlighting key features of the project, Rasheed said: “The planned security projects include the installation of a comprehensive and state-of-the-art security and intelligence system and platform in Osun State to ensure security coverage of the entire state. The security status of the entire state will be monitored from the command and control centre.
“The system involves wide application of drones, radar, artificial intelligence-enabled cameras, robotics, and internet-of-things spread throughout the state, gathering information and monitoring events in real time, 24/7. The system includes a safe-school project as well as a decentralised app installation on citizens’ phones to link them to the Command and Control Centre.
“The facility will cover schools, banks, industries, farms, mining sites, commercial centres, bus parks and motor garages across major towns and arteries of the state.”
Speaking at the meeting, Mr Jianfei, who led the team, invited the governor for a working visit to China, saying the project was all-inclusive and integrated the capacity of the state leadership to secure and protect citizens and businesses.
Commenting on the planned project, Adeleke noted his administration’s establishment of the State Security Trust Fund, adding that the planned security project was designed to apply new technologies to secure the state.
“We plan to create an inclusive security platform that will fully secure and protect our people. From schools, hospitals, businesses and border communities, this initiative is a strategic option,” the governor said.
The PUNCH had earlier reported that Adeleke urged residents to report suspicious movements or individuals in their areas or neighbourhoods to security agencies without delay.
The governor’s remarks followed an exclusive report by Sunday PUNCH on a meeting between the Department of State Services and the leadership of the Osun Muslim Community and the Christian Association of Nigeria.
At the meeting, the religious leaders were informed of intelligence indicating plans by terrorists to mobilise to states in the South-West and cause mayhem as part of a plot to cause voter apathy ahead of the 2027 elections.
Adeleke, while reacting to the report in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Rasheed, called on members of the public to alert security agencies if they noticed an influx of strange faces, especially in border communities.
Source: Punch
