The Ogun State commands of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), alongside the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity), Ash Montana Deck, Abeokuta, have pledged to deepen collaboration on security, humanitarian services and community development.
The commitment was made during separate courtesy visits by the newly elected leadership of the Ash Montana Deck, led by its Capoon, Eremonsele Emmanuel Okoghe, to the NSCDC and NDLEA commands in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
Receiving the delegation at the NSCDC headquarters in Owu-Dekudu, Abeokuta, the State Commandant, Remilekun Ekundayo, said the engagement would promote mutual understanding and strengthen institutional relations between the organisations.
Ekundayo described the Seadogs as a longstanding partner of the command and urged the association and other stakeholders to contribute to efforts aimed at maintaining peace and security in their communities.
“Such engagements build mutual understanding and strengthen institutional relationships, and your visit is therefore timely and appreciated,” she said.
She stressed that security was a collective responsibility, requiring the active participation of government institutions, traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
According to her, stronger collaboration between the NSCDC and Seadogs could generate positive grassroots impact through peace-building, youth development, crime prevention and support for vulnerable members of society.
Ekundayo noted that Ogun State’s position as an economic and industrial hub, with numerous schools, industrial estates, critical infrastructure and border communities, presented both opportunities and security challenges.
She said the command was intensifying efforts to protect critical infrastructure, schools and public utilities while addressing vandalism, illegal mining, cultism, kidnapping and other criminal activities.
At the NDLEA command, its Commander, Tijjani Rabe, commended the Seadogs for their continued support for the agency and called for stronger collaboration in combating drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
Rabe said tackling the drug menace required a collective approach involving government agencies, community leaders, the media, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
Responding, Okoghe said the visits were aimed at formally introducing the new executive committee and reaffirming the association’s longstanding relationship with the security agencies.
He expressed appreciation for the NSCDC’s previous support, particularly its participation in and provision of security for the association’s programmes.
Okoghe also commended the NDLEA for its efforts in drug seizures, arrests, prosecution and rehabilitation.
He described the Seadogs as a non-profit, non-political, non-religious and non-tribal organisation committed to promoting discipline, fair play, comradeship and humanitarian service.
According to him, the association ceased operating in tertiary institutions in 1984 and now comprises graduate professionals with more than 75 chapters globally.
He said the association’s humanitarian initiatives include medical missions, the Street Child Project, Our Votes Count Project, Citizens’ Summit and the Nathaniel Oyelola Memorial Scholarship Scheme.
(Guardian)
