Adeleke unveils technology-driven security plan to protect Osun

Osun State Government is set to adopt advanced surveillance technology, artificial intelligence, and real-time intelligence gathering as part of a comprehensive strategy to strengthen security and protect lives and property across the state.

The initiative, being developed in collaboration with Chinese technology company Hefei Shengwen Information Technology Company Limited, is designed to establish a coordinated security network capable of monitoring developments across communities and responding promptly to potential threats.

The project will deploy modern security infrastructure, including drones, radar systems, intelligent cameras and robotics, with information from different parts of the state channelled to a central Command and Control Centre for round-the-clock monitoring.

Governor Ademola Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, disclosed the development in a statement made available in Osogbo, explaining that discussions between the governor and representatives of the Chinese firm had reached an advanced stage.

ALSO READ: APC elders hail Tinubu, Matawalle as eight Zamfara lawmakers return to party

According to him, “the meeting was attended by a delegation led by the company’s Director of International Operations, Mr Cai Jianfei, alongside its Manager of Overseas Operations, Mr Nemo Guo.”

“The discussions focused on the project’s implementation and the technological framework required to establish a state-wide security system.

“Under the proposed arrangement, the surveillance network will cover strategic public and commercial locations, including schools, hospitals, banks, industrial facilities, farms, mining areas, markets, motor parks and transport corridors.”

“Border communities and other locations considered vulnerable to security threats are also expected to benefit from the initiative, which seeks to strengthen the capacity of security agencies to detect suspicious activities and coordinate responses before incidents escalate.”

“A key component of the programme is the proposed integration of Internet of Things technology and artificial intelligence into security operations”.

“These technologies are expected to facilitate the continuous collection and analysis of information, enabling authorities to monitor developments across multiple locations simultaneously.”

“The plan also incorporates a Safe School component aimed at improving protection for educational institutions, while a decentralised mobile application is proposed to enable residents to communicate security-related information directly to the central monitoring facility.”

Speaking during the engagement, Adeleke said the initiative reflected his administration’s determination to explore modern technological solutions in addressing security challenges and safeguarding residents, businesses and public institutions.

The governor explained that the proposed system would build on existing security interventions, including the establishment of the Osun State Security Trust Fund, which was created to support security operations and strengthen the state’s response to emerging threats.

He said the objective was to establish an inclusive security arrangement that would extend beyond conventional policing to incorporate technology, intelligence sharing and public participation.

According to Adeleke, the proposed framework would provide protection for residents across different sectors, with particular attention to schools, healthcare facilities, business establishments and communities along the state’s boundaries.

The governor maintained that a coordinated approach involving government, security agencies, technology providers and members of the public would be essential to achieving a safer environment for residents and investors.

In a related development, the Chinese delegation invited Adeleke to undertake a working visit to China to further examine the project and explore areas of cooperation.

Cai said the proposed initiative was designed to integrate the state’s leadership and relevant security structures into a unified system for protecting people, businesses and public assets.

The proposed deployment is expected to bring several security-related activities under a coordinated monitoring arrangement, although the statement did not specify a commencement date, implementation timeline or the total cost of the project.

Meanwhile, the Osun State Government has urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or unusual activities to the appropriate security agencies.

Adeleke particularly encouraged people living in border communities to alert security operatives whenever they observe an unusual influx of unfamiliar persons or other developments that could pose a threat to public safety.

The government said public cooperation would remain important to security management, even as it pursues the adoption of advanced technology to improve surveillance, intelligence gathering, and the protection of communities throughout Osun State.