Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State 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, 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, for establishing the National Forest Guards initiative.
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He said the programme demonstrates the President’s commitment to community-based security and a safer Nigeria.
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.
News Credit to our media partner DailyTrust Home .
