By Palma Ileye
Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ahmed Abubakar Audi has charged Nigerian youths to uphold the ‘renewed hope’ agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration and serve as the vanguard of peace and development as well as champion innovations that will foster unity and progress in the country.
Audi in a press release issued yesterday by CSC Babawale Zaid Afolabi, National Public Relations Officer, NSCDC NHQ, Abuja made this call while receiving the Arewa Youth Progressive Movement National at the National Headquarters of the Corps in Abuja.
He said that by the dynamics of the youths; their strength and vibrancy, numerical strength and technological disposition, they were to be change agents and peace ambassadors wherever they find themselves.
He, however, warned that because of these unique characteristics some disgruntled elements may also want to use them to cause unrest in the country.
“By the nature of your agility, you are to channel your strengths in things that will edify and not on things that will bring you shame, therefore, don’t allow yourselves to be used by any aggrieved person to cause mayhem and destroy the corporate existence of this great country,” the CG said.
He further reiterated that his administration was focused on best understanding the power of the youths and that is why, with the approval of the Federal Government, the Corps has employed almost 10,000 youths in the last two years.
According to him, they were to serve as policy implementers judging by their energy and zeal.
Speaking earlier, the President of Arewa Youth Progressive Movement National, Comr Ajinomoh Emmanuel Abiodun, said that through their independent evaluation, the NSCDC has proven to be an all-inclusive Paramilitary Agency of Government that has risen to the task of protection of national assets and Infrastructure of Government.
While extolling the Commandant General and the Corps, he expressed great joy over the establishment of the NSCDC Command and Staff College in Jos, saying that it would attract more economic development in the State.
Similarly, the Commandment General hosted the Oduduwa Development Initiative and called on them to use their platform to foster unity in the country.
“We as Nigerians are in one way or the other related, we should focus on things that unite us and not on things that divide us. We should be our brother’s keepers and join efforts to fight the enemy in the guise of terrorism, banditry kidnappings and all other such vices that are disturbing the peace of this country,” he advised.
The CG affirmed that through community partnership and synergy amongst security agencies, laudable efforts were being made and clampdowns on criminals are also on the increase.
He however expressed optimism that the present Government will live up to their promises and restore optimal peace in the country.
The Oduduwa Development Initiative led by its National President Comr Akinyele Olasunbo congratulated the CG on his numerous achievements since he took the mantle of leadership as third Substantive Commandant General, particularly in the area of recruitment which cuts across all Geopolitical Zones and States.
He said the Corps has distinguished itself as the last hope of the common man and pledged their commitment to support the Corps through community intelligence gathering, citizen participation and Civil Society engagement to get the masses integrated into the reforms being carried out by the Corps.