By Thompson Yamput

Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi on Wednesday inaugurated a multi-million Naira Smart Police Divisional Headquarters, built by Police Trust Fund (PTF) in Ekinrin-Adde, Ijumu Local Government Area of the state.

The governor described the PTF Special Intervention Project as a clear statement of safety for the people of Ijumu and its environs.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ododo inaugurated the station alongside the Inspector General of Police (I-G), Kayode Ekuntokun, PTF Executive Secretary, Femi Mohammed, and Olu of Ijumu, Oba Dr William Ayeni, and the Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye.

The governor noted that the building was a landmark intervention by PTF, and a demonstration of the power of collaboration towards ensuring security of lives and properties.

“Whoever uses insecurity as a political tool is not patriotic nor cares about the well-being of our people in the state or country.

“My administration will continue to make Kogi uncomfortable for criminals,” he added.

Ododo disclosed that the killers of Retired Major Joseph Ajayi, who died in kidnappers’ den early June, have been arrested and facing the wrath of the law.

In his remarks, I-G Egbetokun, represented by AIG Zone 8, Abubakar Zubairu, said the smart divisional police station would go a long way to enhance the security of the people of Ijumu LGA and its environs.

Egbetokun tasked the officers within the jurisdiction of the station to display commitment and professionalism in the discharge of duties for the peace and security of the people.

Also speaking, PTF boss, Mohammed, thanked President Bola Tinubu, for his unwavering commitment to reforming and repositioning the Nigeria Police Force.

“Under his (Tinubu) leadership, security has remained a central pillar of national development, and the impact is visible in projects like this one,” he said.

Mohammed commended the visionary leadership of the Inspector General of Police, Egbetokun, whose focus on community-based and technology-driven policing continues to provide the foundation for infrastructure and operational interventions by the NPTF.

According to him, the I-G’s strategic guidance and partnership has made the work of the NPTF easier and more impactful.

He acknowledged the leadership and support of Ododo administration’s openness, collaboration and unwavering commitment to security and community development.

He noted that Ododo’s disposition played a crucial role in enabling the project to become a reality.

Earlier in his remarks, the Olu Ijumu, Dr William Ayeni, thanked the I-G, the governor and the PTF Executive Secretary for the gesture, which he said would enhance security and development of the area. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Modupe /Isaac Ukpoju

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Defence Headquarters is set to host 53 Chiefs of Defence Staff (CDS) from 53 African countries, including Burkina, Mali and Niger Republic, for the Maiden African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit in Abuja.

The summit which will encourage Africa-led solutions to the continent’s security challenges will be held from Aug. 25 to 27, in Abuja.

The Chairman of the Summit Planning Committee, AVM Precious Amadi, made this known at a news conference on Wednesday in Abuja.

Amadi said that all the countries invited, including Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali, had indicated interest to attend the summit.

He clarified that the strained political relationship between the trio and members of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), did not affect the cooperation between the countries’ militaries.

“We don’t get involved in political issues, but I can tell you with all confidence that under the International Joint Task Force, Niger Republic is still participating, even though we have a strained political relationship with them.

“So, Mali, Niger Republic, Burkina Faso, one of the issues with them, militarily, is that threat to one is threat to all.

“So, on the military side, we are working together. We have written to them, informing them about the summit, and the responses we have gotten from most of the countries is that they have indicated their interests to attend in person, not just sending their representatives,” he said.

Amadi said the premier platform was an avenue for the CDS across African continent to engage in dialogue on shared defence and security mechanisms to enhance defence capabilities amongst African nations.

According to him, truly, in the light of current realities, it has become imperative to seek African solutions to African problems.

“It is in recognition of this, President Bola Tinubu, granted approval for the Defence Headquarters to host the maiden African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit,” he added.

The committee chair said the summit, with the theme: “Combating Contemporary Threats to Regional Peace and Security in Africa: The Role of Strategic Defence Collaborations,” would cover four thematic areas.

These areas, according to him, are: Initiating Discussions on Collective Strategies for African Security Issues; Facilitating Collaborative Response to Peace and Security Issues in Africa; Developing Mechanisms for Integrating the Private Sector into Africa’s Defence Efforts; and Establishing a Roundtable for the Initiation of Homegrown Solutions to Africa’s Defence Needs.

“The event is also expected to showcase Africa’s defence capabilities through defence exhibition which will hold concurrently with the summit.

“Some foreign partners as well as senior retired and serving military officers, including heads of African Union and ECOWAS Commissions, government officers and heads of various security agencies will attend the event,” Amadi said.

Mr Dotun Ajayi, Executive Director, African Business Roundtable, who is a consultant to the summit, said that involvement of private sector in addressing insecurity was ripe, adding that security matters had gone beyond the military component alone.

He said that proffering solution to the security challenges was a shared responsibility, which, he said, required bringing the private sector into the mainstream of defence efforts.

“So, we need a public-private sector partnership. In this regard, we are looking at a broad range of spectrum of activities to support the military solution that we are looking at,” he said. (NAN)(www.nanmews.ng)

Edited by Muhammad Lawal