BEING THE TEXT OF AN ADDRESS BY THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF KOGI STATE, H.E. ALH AHMED USMAN ODODO ON THE OCCASION OF THE FLAG OFF OF DISTRIBUTION OF SECURITY GADGETS AND SAFETY MATERIALS TO RECRUITED HUNTERS
1. It is a great honor for me to stand here today in pursuit of the fulfillment of my number one responsibility to the great people of Kogi State, which is the security of lives and property.
2. Our resolve to evolve a grassroots -led security approach and engage our hunters was amplified by their courageous and professional conduct during our rescue efforts that led to the release of 29 of the 31 Kidnapped students from CUSTECH. Our faith in the people-led security approach as a new strategy is a clear manifestation of our determination to recalibrate our security architecture.
3. As desperate and determined as we are to ensure security, it is also in line with our commitment to lawful approach and due process that we forwarded a request to the Kogi State House of Assembly to approve the recruitment of 1,050 hunters to complement the efforts of our conventional security agents, which the Assembly graciously and patriotically approved.
4. We thank Mr President for making it possible for states to introduce local solutions to curtail the activities of criminals. Let me also use this opportunity to thank the National Security Adviser for constantly supporting our efforts to make Kogi safe for all, as well as the heads of security agencies for helping us to give proper orientation to the recruited hunters on the rules of their engagement. This synergy has been the energy driving our security success in Kogi State.
5. We are at an advanced stage to insure the lives of the hunters. We are also distributing security gadgets and safety materials such as Level 4 Ballistic Vests to fend off bullet attacks as well as boots to help them move around in the forests unhurt among other materials. In our fight against terror, we must agree that battlefields have changed and technology has evolved. We are determined to fight at different levels and secure our land and people. Kogi will be steps ahead of the enemies of peace.
6. It will interest you to note that the hunters have been subjected to some level of intensive training and orientation to guide them in the task ahead. As a responsible Government, it is our responsibility to protect the lives of the people charged with the responsibility of protecting our people. It is our responsibility to reduce the risks they face in the process of defending our state against criminality.
7. In the same vein, we demand the highest level of responsibility and discipline from the recruited hunters in the discharge of their duties. Our confidence in your capacity, discipline, patriotism and professionalism has never been higher after your brave and courageous feat in rescuing our beloved students from the jaws of kidnappers.
8. An uncommon situation demands an uncommon approach to achieve an uncommon result. I was not elected to submit to criminality. You elected me to protect you and your property. My commitment to living up to your expectations is iron-cast. We shall defeat criminality in our dear state.
9. My administration is determined to combine the kinetic and the non-kinetic approach to ensure security. We are improving the economy. We are creating an environment that is birthing new jobs for our teeming youth. We are making education free to ensure every child is educated. However, we will go after the criminal elements with our wall of strength. We shall win.
10. I hereby flag off the distribution of security gadgets and safety materials to our hunters. The entire 4.5m Kogites are rooting for you to make our state an unwelcomed territory for criminals. You are to work in synergy with other conventional security agencies and not in unnecessary rivalry. Together, we shall keep Kogi safe.
11. Thanks and God bless you all.
HE Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo
Chief Servant of Kogi State
04/07/2024
