The Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, on Monday, 27th October, 2025 paid a courtesy visit to the Natural Father of Yoruba race, Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, at his Ile-Oodua Palace, Ile-Ife, Osun State, where he sought royal blessings and divine guidance for effective leadership.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Audi described the ancient city of Ile-Ife as the cradle of Yoruba civilization and a symbol of peace, culture, and heritage.
He noted that his visit to Osun State would not have been complete without paying homage to the Ooni, whom he described as a monarch of peace and unity.
“From what I have seen here today; the rendition, the attire, the history, it is clear that Ile- Ife symbolizes peace, tranquility, tradition, and culture and Kabiyesi represents all of these,” he said.
“I have followed Kabiyesi’s exemplary leadership closely, especially his recent peace mission to Modakeke. Leaving his throne to personally broker peace between the two communities shows the divine role he plays in ensuring harmony in the land.” He said
Dr. Audi revealed that the visit formed part of his ongoing official tour across the federation, adding that Osun State marked the 29th state he had visited so far.
He requested the monarch’s prayers for wisdom and strength to continue leading the Corps effectively in line with its mandate of ensuring national safety and protecting critical National assets.
“Leadership in Nigeria is not an easy task. I seek your royal blessing and guidance to continue serving this country with courage and dedication,” he added.
Responding, Ooni Adeyeye commended the Commandant-General for his humility, dedication and exemplary leadership style, describing him as a “fantastic and amiable leader who leads by example.”
“Out of your busy schedule, you are one of the few public officers who honour calls and maintain personal touch. You are truly a servant-leader and you deserve to be honoured more,” Ooni Ogunwusi said.
The monarch praised Dr. Audi’s commitment to professionalism and his recognition of gender inclusion within the Corps, noting the presence of a female senior officer among his delegation.
“Here in the palace, we are gender sensitive. In fact, we once had a female Ooni Luwo Gbagida so seeing female gallant officers in your team gladdens my heart,” the Ooni stated.
He also lauded the discipline and professionalism of NSCDC officers deployed to the palace, attributing their conduct to the quality of leadership under the current Commandant-General.
Earlier, the Lowa Adimula of Ife, High Chief Adekola Adesiyan, offered prayers for Dr. Audi’s continued strength and divine protection, urging him to support NSCDC officers posted to Osun State with adequate logistics.
He recalled that the NSCDC was established under former President Olusegun Obasanjo to address national security challenges and expressed joy that a competent officer now leads the Corps.
Also speaking, the Obalufe of Ife, Oba (Dr.) Idowu Adediwura, appealed to the NSCDC boss to assist in recruiting qualified young graduates from Ife into the Corps to reduce unemployment and promote community development.
The visit concluded with royal prayers and blessings from the throne of Oduduwa for the Commandant-General and his team, as the Ooni wished them success in their service to the nation.
Signed:
Otunba Moses Olafare
Director, Media & Public Affairs,
Ooni’s Palace.
