By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, received the Award of Excellence at the 2024 Security and Emergency Management Award (SEAMA), on Thursday in Abuja.

The event was organised by Emergency Digest, a publication of Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), in collaboration with the Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC).

The award featured different categories which include, crime prevention, public information management, cybercrimes prevention, emergency management, community service, diligent investigation, civil-military relations among others.

It also includes outstanding crisis communicator;outstanding law enforcement officer; outstanding security officer; outstanding military officer and outstanding; defence journalist and awards of excellence.

In his remarks, Musa emphasised the need for all segments of the society to engage on how best to achieve sustainable national security and emergency management through civil military collaboration.

He said the SAEMA was also an annual event that recognised outstanding contributions to security, emergency management and humanitarian service.

The CDS said the military was making deliberate efforts towards deepening civil military collaboration to enhance national security.

According to him, civil military synergy has impacted significantly on the armed forces operations in the North East and new models are being developed to meet peculiarities in the other geo-political zones across the country.

“Thus, the theme, “Civil – Military Relation for National Security and Stability” is apt and relevant at this critical period of our national existence.

“The threats we face as a country are multi-faceted, ranging from terrorism and insurgency to socio-economic issues and community unrest.

“Arising from these complex dynamics, it has become increasingly evident that no single institution can solve these issues in isolation of others.

“Thus, a whole of society effort that brings together every segment of our nation is needed to build lasting peace, security and progress.

“This can only be achieved by integrating our collective expertise, resources and influence of various stakeholders with a view to creating a resilient framework for both security and emergency management strategies through civil-military relations,” he said.

Musa gave assurance that the military would remain committed to ensuring peace in Nigeria and protecting democracy.

The Minister of Information, Muhammed Idris, represented by the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Baba-Ndace commended the management of Security Digest for the awards and support for the military and other security agencies.

Idris said the security narrative has continued to change, saying that actions of a single black sheep should not be used to demonise an institution that had continued to make sacrifices for the nation.

“This is the time for us as a country to continue to support our armed forces.

“This war is a people’s war. It is what they first call the war among the people where the enemy is the neighbor who does not wear uniform or some who have double identity.

“So it is a difficult war. It is a war that is in the media space and therefore it is important that the nation will come together and that is why this celebration is very important,” he said.

The Publisher of PRNigeria and other titles, Mallam Yushau Shuaib, said the annual event recognises outstanding gallantry contribution to safety, security and emergency management in Nigeria.

He said the 2024 edition recognised the CDS for his expertise in the vital field of inter-agency collaboration and civil military relations making him the ideal speaker for the occasion.

According to him, the award unit selection process remains rigorous and transparent with their jury that comprises security experts, industry professionals an~d independent observers ensuring that deserving individuals and organisations are recognised for their exceptional achievement. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza