Yar’Adua visits Ondo, flags off Operation Ologun Meta               

The President, Alhaji Umar Musa Yar’Adua will today be in Ondo State to flag off this year’s Joint Military Operation Exercise (JOPEX 2009) codenamed Ologun Meta holding at the coastal areas of Ondo State.

Among others, the President, who is to flag off the one-week long grueling joint military exercise which is to test and sharpen the combat readiness of the nation’s military personnel, will also use the occasion to interact with the people of the State at a brief reception being organized in his honour by the State government.

Meanwhile, the Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko has pledged to provide all the logistic supports needed by security agencies in the state, to guarantee the safety of lives and property of the people.

Governor Mimiko who stated this while receiving the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Air Chief Marshal Paul Dike in his office last weekend when the CDS paid a courtesy call on him to intimate him preparations fro this year’s Joint Military Operation Exercise, noted that government appreciated the numerous efforts so far made by the joint task force in the state to provide maximum security for the people.

Dr Mimiko commended the Defence Authorities for staging the joint military exercise in the state, an exercise which, he said, would impact positively on the social life of the people.

The Governor enthused that the sensitization programme earlier embarked upon by the military authorities was also commendable, saying that such effort would prepare the minds of the people of the affected communities for the exercise.

While appreciating the role of the armed forces in the sustainability of the nation’s democracy, Dr Mimiko, however, promised the maximum support of the state government to the success of the exercise.

Governor Mimiko identified the significance of peace to socio-economic development of the state, adding that it would also attract both local and foreign investors to the state.

Earlier in his speech, the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Paul Dike, said the visit was to brief the Governor concerning  the on-going two-week joint military exercise in the state.

Air Chief Marshal Dike assured the people in the areas of safety of their lives and property, adding that they should go about their normal businesses.

He then urged the Governor to sustain the cordial relationship between the state government and the armed forces.

The exercise takes place around Igbokoda, Okitipupa and Orioke-Iwamimo all in the coastal areas of the State.