By Abubakar Suleman
The Kogi State Government on Saturday passed out 530 newly trained Forest Guards as part of efforts to strengthen security and protect lives and property across the state.
The passing out ceremony was held at Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre in Lokoja, and had in attendance top government officials, traditional rulers, and security stakeholders.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, who was represented by his Deputy Governor, Elder Joel Oyibo Salifu, said the establishment of the Forest Guards was timely and necessary.
”Building institutions and protecting them is what Kogi State is presently doing.
“Investing in people. What keeps our people safe is what we are doing,” the Governor said.
Governor Ododo expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and other security agencies for making the initiative a reality.
He disclosed that the Federal Government approved 539 Forest Guards for Kogi State, out of which 530 scaled through the training.
”Don’t use your uniform to harass people in your community.
“Respect your traditional rulers. Protect our people from criminals. Protect our farmers,” he charged the new guards.
He added that the administration will continue to prioritize the safety of citizens.
”This administration will continue to protect lives and properties.
“The safety of our people cannot be compromised. You are deployed to restore confidence in our forests. The government has the duty to protect the lives of our people.
“Kogi State will be a stronger and safest state in the near future,” he said.
In his own remarks, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, described the passing out as a historic milestone.
”It is an honour witnessing this passing out parade in Kogi State.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the Kogi State Government and all security agencies who contributed to the success of this training,” he said.
He expressed satisfaction with the display and practical demonstration by the guards and assured that salaries and allowances of the new intakes will commence immediately.
He urged that the graduating guards be deployed to various communities across the state, noting that the training emphasized discipline, professionalism, and morality.
The National Training Coordinator said the graduation marks a turning point in the history of Kogi State, appreciated other security agencies that contributed immensely throughout the training exercise and noted that the guards were trained on forest preservation, drone operation to locate enemy territory, and use of GPS for tracking.
A highlight of the event was a drama display by the passing out guards, demonstrating how to arrest those involved in deforestation and clamp down on criminal elements in communities.
One of the graduands, Olufemi Okeowo in a vote of thanks on behalf of his colleagues thanked the Governor Ododo for creating the opportunity for them.
He also appreciated the traditional rulers and council chairmen who nominated members of the guards.
The Deputy Governor later inspected the guard of honour mounted by the passing out Forest Guards.
Oath of allegiance was administered on the new intakes to round off the ceremony.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
