The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has described the recent conversion of some structures housing the Oyo State Library Board in Ibadan as unacceptable.

The party made this declaration via a statement made available to DAILY POST on Sunday.

The statement was signed by APC Publicity Secretary Wasiu Olawale Sadare.

DAILY POST learnt that some structures at the headquarters of the Oyo State Library Board in Ibadan, which houses a library and other public utilities have been converted into shops.

APC in its reaction, condemned the action.

The party in the statement described the action of the state government, led by Governor Seyi Makinde, as not only shameful and ill-conceived but also grossly unacceptable.

The party while speaking further, wondered why a government will turn a library into shops.

“It is a sad reality that the buildings which used to serve as public libraries and archives in Dugbe axis of Ibadan have now paved the way for the development of commercial and business structures and the implication of this is that education and research development have been relegated to the background in the state by the same administration which has refused to address the issue of poor reading culture among young students.

“Without mincing words, the word ‘library’ is now strange to many students in public primary and secondary schools in Oyo State because the government does not care to build such facilities or fix the existing ones, which require good attention.

“How can a government wake up one day and convert public reading facilities and archives into lock-up shops in the name of making money and thereby subject the entire society to the danger of illiteracy and ignorance?”

The Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Command, AIG Olatoye A. Durosinmi, says he has directed the commissioners of Police in charge of Lagos and Ogun states to beef up security around worship centres, shopping malls and key public installations during and after the Easter celebration.

The AIG said criminals might want to use the opportunity of the presence of huge crowd around worship centres and shopping malls to carry out attacks on those areas.

Durosimi also said vandals might want to cash in on the limited presence of people around public installations during the Easter holidays to vandalize public property.

A statement by the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ayuba .T. Umma, revealed that the AIG had directed the Commissioners of Police in Lagos and Ogun states, alongside commanders of tactical units and all officers within the zone, to implement heightened security measures across the region.

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The Zonal PRO said the areas of interest include increased patrols and security presence at: religious centres, shopping malls, tourist attractions, marketplaces, commercial districts, social gatherings, residential areas, highways and major roads, motor parks and garages, Relaxation centres, Train stations and bus terminals, Critical national infrastructure and government and private properties.

“These measures are designed to ensure the safety and security of all residents during the Easter holiday. Traffic flow will also be closely monitored to minimize congestion and maintain smooth movement throughout the festive period.

“The AIG encourages all residents to celebrate freely without fear of harassment or violence. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the police and the public to maintain a safe and secure environment,” she said.

The Zone 2 Police Command also urges residents to report any suspicious activity or crime to the nearest police station or by calling the Zone 2 Command on 08100025614.