The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command has charged Anambra State residents to take ownership in the protection of Critical National, State and Local Government Assets and Infrastructure as patriotic duty.
The State Commandant, Commandant Maku Olatunde, gave the charge while delivering a lecture at the maiden Amanuke Youth Summit in Amanuke, Awka North L.G.A, themed, ‘Protection of Critical Assets and Infrastructure: The Role of the Youth in Homeland Security.’
Maku, represented by the Command’s image maker, Superintendent of Corps, Okadigbo Edwin described national critical assets as nation’s backbone, warning that their destruction directly threatened national security, economic growth and wellbeing of citizens.
He said, “Critical assets such as roads, airports, seaports, railways, electricity grids, transformers, transmission cables, oil and gas pipelines, water supply facilities, schools, hospitals, government buildings, courts, national defence and security institutions, custodial facilities, telecom towers, fiber optic cables, and power generators at cell sites among others are the backbone of any nation.
“Theft, vandalism, and destruction of telecom’s physical and virtual assets, fibre cuts, sabotage, building on the right of way, illegal mining, and willful damage to government property are major threats to Critical National Assets.
“Citizens must shun acts that compromise public infrastructure,” he warned.
Maku called for increased vigilance, intelligence sharing, and community-based surveillance as major ways of addressing the challenge.
He also encouraged youths to report suspicious activities around critical assets to NSCDC through the Command’s emergency lines.
According to the NSCDC boss, youth participation in the protection of critical assets is essential in shaping a secure future for Amanuke town, the state and the country.
He urged them to act as vanguards, ensuring they are not manipulated for political agendas but instead contribute meaningfully to protecting national assets.
“The youths are the greatest stakeholders in nation building. When you protect these facilities in your community, you are protecting your own future which is in your hands.
“I believe we must continue to work together. Our mission at the NSCDC is to protect our shared resources, and youth involvement is key to achieving this.
“We remain committed to proffering proactive measures against vandalism, violent crimes and other social vices. We will continue engaging with the youth for the peace and security of Anambra State,” he stated.
Highlighting the Corps’ mandate, Maku reiterated that NSCDC remains the lead agency in the protection of Critical National, State and Local Government Assets and Infrastructure.
He assured that the Command under his leadership would continue to partner with traditional rulers, youth bodies, and community stakeholders to ensure assets in Awka North are adequately protected.
The summit had in attendance, HRH Igwe Chijindu Ezebuilo, the Traditional ruler of the community, Mr. Simon Orakwe, the President General of Amanuke Ogbuodudu Development Union, Dr. Chidi Chidebe, Chief Chikodili Anara, former Commissioner of Homeland Security, youths, scholars, academics, political stakeholders, and women to deliberate on issues affecting the growth and development of Amanuke town and Anambra State at large.
The youth summit also featured robust discussions and exchanges of ideas on youth empowerment, leadership, security, and community development, with participants expressing optimism that the resolutions reached would contribute to the continued growth and stability of Amanuke town.
The highpoint of the event was goodwill messages from the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Mr. Patrick Agha Mba, ably represented by Mr. Tony Omatah, invited guests, sons and daughters of Amanuke town, community stakeholders, and representatives of other security agencies.
