By Usman Aliyu
The Edo Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has decorated its Public Relations Officer, Mr Efosa Ogbebor, alongside 149 other officers and men recently promoted to various ranks.
The decoration ceremony, held at the command headquarters in Benin, was presided over by the State Commandant of the Corps, Commandant Saidi Akintayo.
In his opening address, Akintayo said the event marked a turning point in the history of the NSCDC in the state.
“This is not just another ceremonial event; it is a landmark in the history of the NSCDC in Edo State. Truly, we have never had it so good,” he said.
The commandant noted that for the first time since the establishment of the command, an officer who had served extensively in the state and understood its terrain and peculiar security dynamics had been appointed as State Commandant.
“This is unprecedented and worthy of celebration,” he said.
The NSCDC boss also disclosed that the state had, for the first time, produced three commandants simultaneously, describing the development as a testament to the professionalism, dedication, and quality of officers who had served in the state.
He further described the large number of promotions and the timing of the decoration ceremony, within the first 100 days of his assumption of office, as clear evidence of positive reforms within the corps.
While congratulating the newly promoted officers, the commandant reminded them that elevation in rank came with increased responsibility.
“Promotion is not an end; it is a call to higher responsibility. To whom much is given, much is expected,” he said, warning that indiscipline, misconduct, or sabotage would not be tolerated.
He expressed appreciation to the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Prof. Abubakar Ahmed Audi, for what he described as purposeful leadership and commitment to merit and institutional justice.
In a goodwill message, a legal practitioner, Mr Donald Boih, praised the progress and rising profile of the NSCDC.
Boih noted that the corps had grown from being ridiculed in its early years to becoming a key pillar in Nigeria’s security architecture.
“Today, you cannot talk about Nigeria’s security without mentioning the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
“The whole world is watching,” Boih said, urging officers to uphold professionalism and make Nigeria proud.
Speaking on behalf of the promoted officers, Tijani Mohammed, who was elevated to the rank of Deputy Commandant of the Corps, expressed gratitude to God and the leadership of the corps, pledging renewed commitment to duty.
“This promotion is a call to higher service. We promise to be more committed, dedicated, and ready for any call of duty,” he said.
Reacting to his promotion to Chief Superintendent of the Corps (CSC), the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Ogbebor, described the elevation as a major morale booster.
“This promotion means everything to me.
“It has given me more morale to do better, to protect critical national assets, lives, and property, and to ensure that criminal elements are flushed out of Edo State and Nigeria,” Ogbebor said.
He thanked God, the Commandant-General, the Edo State Commandant, colleagues and friends for their support, pledging continued dedication to service. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa
