In a strategic and symbolic engagement, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Council (JCC), Ondo Axis, led by its Chairman, Comrade Oluwarotimi Tobiloba Joshua (popularly known as JOSH), paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, MNIPS.
The meeting, held at the Ondo State Police Headquarters in Akure, was convened to express gratitude to the Police Commissioner for his professional and calm handling of a recent peaceful protest organized by Akoko Youth Leaders and the NANS Ondo Axis. The protest followed the detention and legal proceedings involving Comrade Akeju Blessing James and other youth leaders, a development that sparked significant reactions from the student and youth community.
CP Afolabi was widely praised for his neutrality and maturity during the protest. Despite the tension that surrounded the demonstration, he maintained order, ensured the protection of protesters’ constitutional rights, and avoided any escalation. His actions earned him accolades from the NANS delegation for promoting peace and safeguarding public safety.
During the visit, the CP commended the student body for conducting a peaceful and orderly protest. He noted that the discipline displayed by the students was exemplary and rare in youth-led agitations. He urged continued cooperation between the youth and the police, especially in intelligence-sharing and community policing.
Speaking on broader security issues, CP Afolabi highlighted the resource challenges facing the Ondo State Command, including inadequate manpower, lack of surveillance technology such as drones and tracking devices, and a shortage of patrol vehicles. He called for support from both governmental and non-governmental actors to strengthen the Command's capacity.
In a significant development during the visit, the CP approved the appointment of Comrade Akeju Blessing James as the Youth and Students Liaison Officer to the Ondo State Police Command. The role is aimed at strengthening communication and collaboration between the police and the youth/student demographic in the state.
The NANS JCC leadership, including Comrade Joshua (JOSH), Comrade Akeju Blessing James, and Comrade Fadiran Abiola (Fadirex), expressed deep appreciation to the CP and his team. They commended the openness of the police leadership to youth engagement and promised to reciprocate the goodwill through continued advocacy for peace and responsible civic engagement.
Also in attendance were top-ranking officers of the Command, alongside representatives from NANS Zone D (Southwest) and the larger NANS JCC Ondo delegation.
The meeting marks a new chapter in police-student relations in Ondo State, with hopes of sustained dialogue, mutual respect, and active youth participation in the promotion of security and civic responsibility.
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