◾Harp on ‘See Something, Say Something’ mantra
Commissioners in Imo State and security stakeholders have cautioned youths and children to shun vices, which will lead them to crime and criminality.
They were among discussants at a security workshop held last week at the Auditorium of Imo State University, Owerri organiser bu Inter Agency NGOs, where they unanimously harped on the importance of shielding young persons, especially those in school, away from antisocial activities like use of drugs and alcoholism.
The Imo State Commissioner for Education (Tertiary), Prof. Victor N. Nwachukwu while reviewing a book on security, said there is need to monitor and mentor young persons to steer them away from criminality.
In his own remarks, Imo State Commissioner for Youth Development and Talent Hunt, Dr Emeka Mandela Ukaegbu while thanking the organisers of the workshop called for more of such engagement.
He commended security agencies in the state for their level of discipline I spite of the rate of crime and criminality in the society.
Dr Mandela Ukaegbu disclosed that Governor Hope Uzodimma does not joke with security and has always stood firm to support security agencies in the state.
While addressing participants at the workshop, Army Assistant Director Public Relations, Capt. Joseph Akụkọ who represented the Brigade Commander of 34 Artillery Brigade Obinze, Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Abbas, spoke on the need for security synergy among security agencies and the society.
He decried what he described as the conspiracy of silence on the part of the society due to fear, assuring those who volunteer information on security breaches of adequate protection by security agencies.
The Army spokesperson appealed to citizens to help security agencies with information.
While debunking the notion that security personnel are out to hurt young people as erroneous, he encouraged students to always say something whenever they see something.
Representative of the Correctional Service, Deputy Controller Josephine Okere said that Correctional Centres provide rehabilitation and reform services to those in custody.
She tasked young people not.to take to crime as it has negative consequences.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) representative in his submission fingered illicit drugs intake as the root cause of crimes in the society.
He called on young people and school children never to experiment with drugs as they are destiny destroyers.
Coordinator of Inter Agency NGOs, Hillary Henry as well as former Chairman of POCACOV in Imo State, Kennedy Onwunali thanked participants at the workshop, especially students and children from various schools in Imo and the media for the success of the event.
Other personalities at the event include include the Acting Vice President of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ for South East, Comrade Eze Adiuku and NUJ Chairman for Imo State, Comrade Ifeanyi Nwanguma.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of an Award of honour to Prince Emeka Anyanwu of Ogbodudu Royal Dynasty in Ihitte, Ezinihitte Mbaise local government area of the state.
