Gov. Ododo passes out 530 Forest Guards asks them to defend Kogi against criminals

By Soni Daniel, Northern Region Editor

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has trained no fewer than 530 men and women who are to form the pioneer team of the state’s National Forest Guards.

A statement by Kogi State Information Commissioner, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, said the event was aimed at putting criminals out of the state.
Speaking at the passing-out ceremony at the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre in Lokoja, the Governor charged them to serve with discipline, integrity and patriotism as they begin the important task of protecting Kogi’s forests and communities from criminal elements.

Governor Ododo, who was represented by Comrade Joel Salifu, said the graduation reflects the determination of both the Federal and Kogi State governments to strengthen security and deny criminals safe havens across the state.

The Governor expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu establishing the National Forest Guards, pointing out that the programme demonstrates the President’s commitment to community-based security and a safer Nigeria.

Governor Ododo noted that security remains the foundation of his administration’s development agenda, stressing that meaningful progress in agriculture, education, healthcare, infrastructure and commerce can only thrive in a peaceful and secure environment.

According to him, the Forest Guards will support intelligence gathering, protect forests from criminal activities, safeguard lawful economic activities and work closely with other security agencies to maintain peace across the state.

He disclosed that although 539 young men and women reported for the training, 530 successfully completed the eight-week exercise and are now ready for deployment.
Governor Ododo said the success of the Forest Guards would not be measured by the number of arrests they make, but by the peace they help to maintain, the crimes they prevent.
The Governor also called on traditional rulers, community leaders, youth and women groups, religious leaders and all residents to support the Forest Guards and other security agencies with timely and credible information to improve security across the state.
Ealier in his address, the Representative of the National Security Adviser, General Hilary Martins, commended the Federal government for setting up the National Forest Guards, noting that the initiative is to boost Security especially in the Forest areas of the country.
He advised the passing out guards to be disciplined and work actively to achieve the purpose for which the outfit was created and commended the state government for setting up the guards.

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