The Ondo State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oluyemi Joshua Ibiloye, has been honoured with the Security Icon of the Year Award by Chronicle Media in recognition of his remarkable contributions to security management and the sustenance of peace in the state.

The award, presented at a colourful ceremony attended by top security chiefs, government officials, civil society leaders and media practitioners, is a testament to the Commandant’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives, critical infrastructure, and ensuring a safer environment for residents of Ondo State.

Since assuming duty as the NSCDC helmsman in the state, Commandant Ibiloye has led several groundbreaking operations that have yielded tangible results.

His tenure has been marked by the arrest and prosecution of criminal gangs involved in kidnapping, vandalism, illegal mining, cultism and other offences that threatened public peace. These operations, often carried out in collaboration with sister security agencies, have significantly reduced crime rates in both rural and urban communities across the state.

One of his most celebrated interventions is the prioritisation of critical infrastructure protection. Under his watch, oil pipelines, power installations, schools, water facilities and other public assets have enjoyed stronger security coverage, thereby preventing disruptions to essential services.

His leadership has also ensured that the NSCDC in Ondo State fully embraced the Safe Schools Initiative, deploying trained officers to safeguard educational institutions against abductions, vandalism and other threats.

Beyond operational successes, Ibiloye is widely commended for his emphasis on community engagement. He has built robust partnerships with traditional rulers, local vigilantes and community development associations, using these relationships to strengthen grassroots intelligence and ensure early response to emerging threats. His collaborative approach has deepened inter-agency synergy, with the Police, Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps, DSS and other outfits working seamlessly with the NSCDC to sustain public safety.

Presenting the award, the organisers of the Chronicle Media Awards described Commandant Ibiloye as a security professional whose diligence, innovation and discipline have significantly enhanced security in Ondo State. They noted that the recognition was not only for his operational efficiency but also for his leadership style, which inspires professionalism, integrity and dedication among NSCDC personnel.

In his acceptance speech, Commandant Ibiloye expressed gratitude to God, the NSCDC leadership and his officers for their resilience and support. He dedicated the award to the men and women of the Ondo State Command, stressing that the recognition was a collective achievement. According to him, security is a shared responsibility, and without the cooperation of the state government and the people of Ondo State, the modest successes recorded would not have been possible. He assured that the Command would continue to intensify efforts in tackling crime and safeguarding national assets, urging residents to remain law-abiding and supportive of security agencies.

Observers have noted that under his stewardship, Ondo State has become one of the most security-conscious states in the South-West, with improved public confidence in the NSCDC as a dependable security partner. His proactive strategies have not only curbed crime but also positioned the Corps as a vital stakeholder in the state’s security architecture.

The award from Chronicle Media adds to a growing list of recognitions for Commandant Ibiloye, further cementing his reputation as a dedicated, innovative and patriotic officer whose contributions to national security remain invaluable.