…Says Govt Will Continue to Invest in Security
By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has charged the pioneer batch of the National Forest Guards in the state to serve with discipline, integrity and patriotism as they begin the important task of protecting Kogi’s forests and communities from criminal elements.
Speaking at the passing-out ceremony of the first batch of the National Forest Guards held on Saturday at the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre in Lokoja, the Governor described the event as another major step in the state’s commitment to securing lives and property.
Governor Ododo represented by his principal, His Excellency Comrade Joel Salifu, said the graduation of the Forest Guards is more than the end of a training programme, noting that it reflects the determination of both the Federal and Kogi State Governments to strengthen security and deny criminals safe havens across the state.
The Governor expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for establishing the National Forest Guards initiative. He said the programme demonstrates the President’s commitment to community-based security and a safer Nigeria.
He also commended the National Security Adviser, the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the National Park Service and all members of the camp management team for their dedication to the successful training of the first batch of recruits.
Governor Ododo noted that security remains the foundation of his administration’s development agenda, stressing that meaningful progress in agriculture, education, healthcare, infrastructure and commerce can only thrive in a peaceful and secure environment.
According to him, the Forest Guards will support intelligence gathering, protect forests from criminal activities, safeguard lawful economic activities and work closely with other security agencies to maintain peace across the state.
He disclosed that although 539 young men and women reported for the training, 530 successfully completed the eight-week exercise and are now ready for deployment.
The Governor urged the new Forest Guards to see their uniforms as symbols of responsibility and not power. He advised them to respect the rights of citizens, work closely with traditional rulers and local communities, and remain professional in carrying out their duties.
Governor Ododo said the success of the Forest Guards will not be measured by the number of arrests they make, but by the peace they help to maintain, the crimes they prevent and the confidence the people have in them.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing the necessary support and logistics for security agencies, adding that Kogi State will continue to strengthen its security architecture to ensure that no part of the state is left in the hands of criminals.
The Governor also called on traditional rulers, community leaders, youth and women groups, religious leaders and all residents to support the Forest Guards and other security agencies with timely and credible information to improve security across the state.
He congratulated the pioneer batch of the National Forest Guards on the successful completion of their training and wished them courage, wisdom and success as they begin service to the state and the nation.
Ealier in his address, the Representative of the National Security Adviser, General Hilary Martins, commended the Federal government for setting up the National Forest Guards, noting that the initiative is to boost Security especially in the Forest areas of the country.
He advised the passing out guards to be disciplined and work comnitedly to achieve the purpose at which the outfit was created, while commending the state government on their effort in ensuring the men are properly trained to make the state unsafe for criminal elements.