Security: NOA strengthens partnership with NSCDC
By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus
The North Central Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has pledged a strengthened partnership with the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to combat insecurity in the zone.
The Zonal Director, Dr Priscilla Gondoaluor made this known on Thursday in Ilorin, while on a working visit to the NSCDC headquarters in Ilorin.
She said security is the responsibility of all and not for the security agencies alone, and while the security agencies handles the force, the NOA brings in sensitisation of the populace.
“Security is top on the list of our priorities as a nation and the NSCDC plays a vital role in achieving this .
“Security is the responsibility all; the person protected also have to play his/her role, and this is where the NOA comes in.
“People needs to be regularly sensitised to join actions with the security agencies to reduce insecurity to the barest minimum.
“This is because everyone needs to be keyed in and be part of the government’s efforts on ensuring the safety of everyone,” she said.
Mrs Gondoaluor commended the corps for performing beyond expectations as against the initial complaints of duplication of duties with other security agencies.
She expressed optimism towards more fruitful partnership and collaboration between the agency and the corps.
In his response NSCDC Kwara Commandant, Commandant Abbas Mohammed said the need for reorientation of citizens cannot be overemphasized, as the citizens needed to be kept abreast of government policies.
He commended NOA for bridging the communication gap between the government and the citizens, in terms of government policies and programmes.
“I think if the citizens know what the government is doing, it will go a long way to reduce their agitations.
“Most times most of the government policies are not being propagated and there is a disconnect between the government and the masses.
“But, with NOA, this gap is being bridged, a lot of information is being disseminated on government policies, and these have gone a long way to reduce these agitations,” he said.
The NSCDC commandant however urged the agency to intensify its sensitisation as the electioneering period is near and unrest tends to increase.
“As you know that we are in an electioneering period, and the rate of civil unrest or criminalities will be on the high side.
“So, we want to implore you to do more and assure you that we will continue to partner with you in any way we can.
“We have a wide reach just like you, we are everywhere, both local government and wards. I assure you, we will give you a 100% partnership anytime you call us,” he said.
The NOA state Director, Alhaji Yakubu Ibrahim also commended the corps for its efforts in combating insecurity and also pledge the state office’s readiness to strengthen collaboration with the corps