The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, has called on residents, particularly youths, to take ownership of the protection of critical national, state and local government assets and infrastructure in their communities.
The State Commandant, Commandant Maku Olatunde, made the call over the weekend while delivering a lecture at the maiden Amanuke Youth Summit held at the Amanuke Civic Centre in Amanuke, Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Maku, who was represented by the Command’s image maker, Superintendent of Corps Okadigbo Edwin, spoke on the topic, “Protection of Critical Assets and Infrastructure: The Role of the Youth in Homeland Security.”
He described critical infrastructure, including roads, airports, seaports, railways, electricity grids, transformers, transmission cables, oil and gas pipelines, water facilities, schools, hospitals, government buildings, courts, telecommunications towers and fibre-optic cables, as the backbone of national development.
According to him, the destruction or vandalism of such facilities poses serious threats to national security, economic growth and the well-being of citizens.
The NSCDC commandant identified theft, vandalism, sabotage, fibre cuts, destruction of telecommunications infrastructure, encroachment on rights-of-way, illegal mining and deliberate damage to government property as some of the major threats to critical national assets.
He stressed that active youth participation in the protection of critical assets was essential to building a secure future for Amanuke, Anambra State and Nigeria.
“NSCDC urges residents to shun activities capable of compromising public infrastructure. There is also a need for increased vigilance, intelligence sharing and community-based surveillance.
“Youths must also promptly report suspicious activities around critical assets to the NSCDC through the Command’s emergency lines.
“The youths are the greatest stakeholders in nation-building. When you protect these facilities in your community, you are protecting your own future,” he stated.
The commandant further urged youths not to allow themselves to be manipulated for political agendas, but to channel their energy towards initiatives that promote peace, security and community development.
“Nigeria’s future is in your hands, and I believe we must continue to work together. Our mission at the NSCDC is to protect our shared resources, and youth involvement is key to achieving this,” he said.
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Maku assured residents that the NSCDC remained committed to taking proactive measures against vandalism, violent crimes and other social vices, while strengthening its engagement with youths and community stakeholders.
He reiterated that the NSCDC was the lead agency responsible for the protection of critical national, state and local government assets and infrastructure, assuring that the Anambra Command would continue to partner with traditional rulers, youth organisations and other community stakeholders to safeguard public assets in Awka North.
The summit was attended by the traditional ruler of Amanuke, HRH Igwe Chijindu Ezebuilo; President-General of Amanuke Ogbuodudu Development Union, Mr Simon Orakwe; Dr Chidi Chidebe; former Commissioner for Homeland Security, Chief Chikodili Anara; youths, academics, political stakeholders and women, among others.
Participants deliberated on youth empowerment, leadership, security and community development, expressing optimism that the resolutions reached at the summit would contribute to the continued growth and stability of Amanuke.
The event also featured goodwill messages from the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Mr Patrick Agha Mba, represented by Mr Tony Omatah, as well as invited guests, community stakeholders, sons and daughters of Amanuke and representatives of other security agencies.
