The Commandant General, NSCDC, Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu has called on all Nigerians to increase their commitment towards maintaining a healthy Nation devoid of conflicts and instabilities which has a catastrophic consequences and immeasurable effect on human lives especially women and children.
He made this call while addressing the rank and file of the Corps at the National headquarters, Abuja on the 1st of March, 2019, being the “The World Civil Defence Day” with the theme; “Children’s safety, our responsibility” to Raise Awareness on Self-Defence, Rescue Work and Crisis-Volunteership.
While delivering the message of the Interim Secretary General, ICDO, Belkacem Elketroussi; the CG reiterated that since the lives and dignities of human beings ought to be both preserved and protected, children’s lives and safety should be at the forefront of this concern. It is, therefore, regrettable to see the heaviest and most anguishing price for instability and non-safety paid by the children circle more than any other age segment in a given society as latest statistics indicates an increase, and at times, a domination of young kids in the number of dead and wounded persons among casualties during conflicts and natural disasters.
He went further to say there is no doubt that cultural values, social behaviors, and professional skills acquired by children in the early years of their childhood have a long-lasting impact in later life. In other words, a child equipped with the right cultural values, social behavior and professional skills leads to a more sustainable and resilient society. Moreover, safety is considered a nurtured culture, meaning that, it requires the work and efforts to be rooted in the minds and hearts of young children. Such behavior can and will reflect their security, safety and peace.
In his words, Gana said the Corps would continue to spearhead the role of civil protection and developing awareness and educational advocacy that elucidate the functions of all relevant stakeholders and civil protection actors about their interventions. He promised that NSCDC is prepared to develop permanent prevention programs to raise the level of overall awareness and reduce the level of casualties and victims among children by engaging in direct dialogues with its experts to create such programs with the aim of instilling the safety and security principles into children by means of activities, which attract both their attention and desire.
The Corps Chief Executive emphasized that, given the exacerbating rhythm of natural disasters, unwarranted killings, unrest and conflict situations, his organization is poised to constantly respond to changing and contradictory realities as children’s safety translates to the continuity of life. The CG therefore call on all stakeholders including relevant public and private agencies, parents, guardians, civil society organizations, civil safety and emergency organizations to launch and continue their work with educational and cultural authorities to raise awareness among children in order to reduce risks of all kinds and causes.
Abdullahi used the auspicious occasion, to commend all his personnel across the 36 states of the federation including the FCT on the peaceful conduct of the 2019 presidential elections. He further charged them to increase the tempo of decorum, commitment, selflessness and discipline in the forthcoming gubernatorial and state assembly’s election.
While appreciating the role and sacrifices made by his officers and men without whom Nigeria could not have reached this level of security, safety and peace as they are out there 24/7 protecting the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, lives and property of peace-loving Nigerians, Abdullahi pays tribute to all his personnel who have suffered one form of disability or injury in the course of active national service, re-assuring them that their service and contribution to national peace and security is not in vain; wishing them solace and speedy recovery.
DCC Okeh Emmanuel
CDPRO
