The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Enugu State Command, Cyprian Otoibhi, has urged Nigerians to commit to promoting safety and security in neighbourhoods and communities.

“The citizens can do this by giving confidential and actionable intelligence information about criminals, criminal activities and unpatriotic engagements to security agencies, especially to NSCDC officials,’’ Mr Otoibhi said on Friday.

The commandant made the call in Enugu while addressing citizens at the International Civil Defence Day Celebration 2024 and the Passing Out Parade of the NSCDC Set 2023 New Intakes.

He said that the International Civil Defence Day was meant to pay tribute to unsung heroes, who are the guardians of safety and resilience in the communities.

He stated, “Today, we salute the brave men and women who stand at the forefront of disaster response and civil security; thus, risking their lives to protect and serve others. I really appreciate the theme for this year’s celebration – honouring our heroes and promoting safety skills – and it is a blessing that on this remarkable day, we celebrate the passing out ceremony of 20 new recruits.

“Indeed as we celebrate and honour the unsung heroes, we urge the young ones (new recruits) to emulate the victories and achievements of our heroes past as they strive to surpass them in the course of their service to motherland. These heroes we celebrate today exemplify courage, selflessness, and unwavering dedication. They are the embodiment of resilience, facing adversity head-on and rising to the occasion with strength and compassion.

“They did all these by battling natural disasters, responding to emergencies, or providing vital assistance during times of need.’’

Mr Otoibhi also noted that safety was not solely the responsibility of heroes in uniform, adding that “it is a collective endeavour that requires the active participation and commitment of every citizen.”

The commandant urged Nigerians to reaffirm their pledge to promoting safety skills and preparedness within communities, noting “it is a skill that must be cultivated and practised.”

He said that the skills included basic first aid techniques and disaster preparedness drills; stressing that citizens must have a role to play in ensuring the safety and well-being of “ourselves and those around us”.

According to him, “by empowering ourselves with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond effectively in times of crisis, we can contribute to building a safer and more resilient society for all.

“Finally, I also congratulate the new recruits who are emery today from a very rigorous training to prove themselves worthy to be called ambassadors of the corps. I also urge them to live up to the demands of the corps as we uphold the security mandate of the nation.

“I cannot end this speech without expressing my heartfelt gratitude to my Commandant-General, Dr Ahmed Audi, who has in this time injected new zeal to the corps in terms of training and re-training.

“The Commandant-General has ensured synergy with other agencies in order to foster security, safety of lives and property of the citizens of our dear nation, Nigeria,” he added.

The event featured parade drills, weapon handling and dismantling exercise, drama, certificate presentation to the new recruits and award presentation to the commandant; assistant commandant-general and commandant-general of the NSCDC among others.

(NAN)