International Civil Defence Day: Adeleke Charges 159 New Intakes To See Citizens’ Security As Priority

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has charged the 2022 intakes of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun Command to take the welfare of those they are meant to protect as top priority.

Adeleke gave the charge on Friday during this year’s International Civil Defence Day, Passing Out Parade of the 159 new intakes and 3rd anniversary of the Commandant General, Dr Ahmed Audi, held at the Command Headquarters, Ido Osun.

The Governor who was represented by his Special Adviser on Security, Barr Samuel Ojo, noted that NSCDC has emerged as a critical security organization in Nigeria and has
performed creditably well in performing its core mandate.

He urged the newly recruited officers to uphold the rule of law, preserve peace, and
safeguarding the well-being of citizens of the state.

He said, “As we are all aware the NSCDC has emerged as a critical security organization in Nigeria and has performed creditably well in performing its core mandate of protecting government assets and infrastructures, monitoring and regulating the activities of PGC’s, crisis management, conflict resolution, intelligence information gathering and ensuring the general safety of lives and properties.

“To the officers passing out today, you have undergone rigorous training, discipline, and
sacrifice to reach this moment. You have shown dedication, courage, and determination
in your journey to becoming defenders of our society.

“You have embraced the values of service, integrity, and excellence that are the cornerstone of the NSCDC.

“As you take on the responsibilities of protecting our state, communities and people I urge you to remember the importance of upholding the rule of law, preserving peace, and safeguarding the well-being of our citizens. Your role as officers of the NSCDC is vital in ensuring the security and stability of our nation. You are entrusted with the safety and security of our people.

“My advice to you, as you pass out today, is that you will put your training into practice and
abide by the rules of engagement in whatever you do, also always put the welfare of the
people you are paid to protect in your mind.”

Earlier in his address, Osun NSCDC Commandant, Dr. Akintayo Adaralewa, admonished the Commandant General for his vision and laudable achievements since he assumed office.

Adaralewa said the new recruits had undergone four months of rigorous mental and physical drills, advising them to be professional and dutiful in the discharge of their duties.

“The CG has been able to produce a working Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Revised Scheme Of Service, Establishment of Female Armed Squad Unit, National Safe School Response Coordination Center, prioritising training and retraining of personnel. These are few among the many achievements of our workaholic Commandant General.

“It is hoped that as the 2022 batch of new recruits are passing out from 4 months of rigorous mental and physical drills, all the tactics you have learnt to becoming living heroes will be employed after being posted to your different places of assignments,” Adaralewa noted.

In his lecture themes ‘Honour Heroes and
Promote Safety Skills’, the Commandant Air Force Research and Development
Centre, Air Vice Marshal Al Amodu (DFS), noted that those who risk their lives to keep the citizens safe deserve the utmost respect and gratitude.

Amodu who was represented by Air Commodore A A. Adobomehin, said one of the ways to honour the heroes is by
promoting safety skills which could be achieved by empowering individuals to take control of their safety and the safety of those
around them.

According to him, “In Every society, there are groups or individuals who go above and beyond to keep us safe, often risking their own lives in the process. These heroes deserve our utmost respect and gratitude. Honouring heroes is not just about acknowledging examples.

“Heroes embody qualities that we can all aspire to their bravery and sacrifices; it is also about learning from their emulate, such as loyalty, courage, selflessness and a commitment to greater good. They remind us that each of us has the potential to make a difference no matter how big or small our actions may seem.

“One of the best ways to honour our heroes is by promoting safety skills. This could be achieved by empowering individuals to take control of their safety and the safety of those around them. By equipping ourselves with the knowledge and tools to prevent accidents and respond effectively to emergencies.

“It is therefore important that we foster an
environment where safety is prioritized and everyone feels empowered to speak up about safety concerns.”