Yahaya Bello Prioritizes Safety of Lives and Properties in Kogi State, as Security Stakeholders Summit Takes Off.

The recent trend of insecurity in the state is no doubt, a cankerworm that is eating fast and deep in to the skin of the collective peace of the people of Kogi State. 
In line with the campaign promises of the current administration to ensure adequate safety of people and properties across the state, a synergy between the state government and security operatives embarked on zonal security meeting across the state wIth the Traditional Chieftains, community vigilante group, women associations and the youths.
Starting with Kogi East, His Royal Majesty, the  Attah of Igala, Dr Idakwo Michael Ameh Oboni II played the role of chief host to the Team in his palace, Idah Local Government. 
In attendance was the representative of the Executive Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello; his Special Adviser on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Engr Abubakar S. Ohere; the State Security Adviser, Navy Commandant Jerry Omodara (Rtd); the Attah of Igala and members of his traditional council; the CPS, Evang. Kingsley O. Fanwo, SSA on Electronic Media, Mrs Petra Akinti Onyegbule. Commissioner of Police, C.P Abdullahi Chape and his squad, the Commander of NSCDC and the Commandant of Nigeria Navy, Idah; Head of Vigilante groups; Youth and Women Leaders across Igala land.
The Host Administrator, Hon. Suleiman A. Amodu in his welcome address threw light on the importance of the security meeting. In his words, though the security challenge is on the rise but he is confident in the Governor to draw all security apparatus to forestall the rising.

The State Security Adviser in his contribution said, the task and burden of securing lives and properties shouldn't be left on the shoulders of uniform men alone. He called for community policing being the surest way of curbing crime at the grassroot.
He added that the Governor has told him that, he did not became the Chief Security Officer of the State by using thugs and therefore his administration will not condone the use of youths as political machineries via thuggery. He equally decried the rapid growth of cultism in Igalaland, urging parents to train and monitor their children and wards.
The representative of the Governor, the SA, MLG&CA; Engr Abubakar Ohere in his key note address, gave a concise presentation on the activities of the government of the day and achievements in Kogi East with respect to the New Direction Blueprint. Some of which includes: 
-Acquisition of 20 hectares of farm land at Igalamela Odolu and Dekina, targetted at establishing mega farm structure from the stable of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture. 

-The approval of over 5million Naira by His Excellency to revamp the Fertiliser Company at Agbeji that has been in a state of comatose due to lack of commitment on the side of the previous administrations.

-The mobilization to site for the construction of Idah-Umomi Road, 

-The imminent development of coal feeds in Igala land by Dangote Group, other investments to be sited by various investors in various sectors, as well as social infrastructural projects to be commenced under SDGs.

He however lamented that no investor will be ready to patronise a state where the safety of their lives and investments is not guaranteed.

HRH, Ejeh Of Ibaji spoke on the need to engage the youth positively in order to reduce the crime rate drastically as the youths are mostly caught in the acts of evil.

Hon Kabiru Idris, the Administrator of Dekina L.G said, lack of man power and nonchalant attitude of some custodian of security towards their duty are also factors of insecurity in the land.

HRM, the Attah of Igala extolled the Governor saying he has started on a very good note through the initiative. He ascribed the insecurity in the land to fall out of political manoeuvring in the past. "Thank God for the Governor of the state who ascended the position of the number one citizen of the state without the patronage of any act of thuggery, noting it is simply an act of GOD". HRM added.

HRH, Ejeh of Dekina expressed his happiness saying, in his 20 years on the throne, it is the first time he is witnessing a security meeting of such.


The C.P and the Commandant of the NSCDC assured community members that, information shared with security agents shall be treated with utmost confidentiality and responsibility. 

Hon. Ibrahim Y. Aboh, the Administrator of Omala L.G in his closing remark said, on behalf of the nine Administrators in Kogi East, as chief security officer of their various local governments, they will take security matters very close to their hearts, and will ensure they take the message back to their people at the grassroots.

to be continued.... 
Abubakar Ejide Ozio