By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
CHAIRMAN of Kogi State Security Trust Fund (STF) Chairman, Hon. Abdulraheem Ozovehe Ohiare, has called for a holistic, decisive collective efforts in the task of over coming security challenges threatening lives and property in the state.
Ohiare disclosed this when the Executive Council members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) paid him a courtesy visit in his office on Tuesday in Lokoja.
The Security Trust Fund chairman while receiving the Union leadership in his office said the Fund would not compromise the security of lives and property of the people of the state.
He hinted that much has been achieved since his assumption of office with far-reaching measures taken to address insecurity issues with high level commitment from Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
According to the chairman, the Security Trust Fund office has so far been able to overhaul about 60 vehicles for security outfits and para military agencies operating in the state with the aimed of achieving set objectives.
Ohiare warned criminals in the state to either relocate or be ready to face concerted onslaught from security agencies saying that Kogi State would be made too hot for criminal activities.
He urged the Media Professionals to help educate the public on the need to complement efforts of the agency with useful information that would help in exposing crime and criminality with the hope of making the state safer.
The chairman lamented some individuals don’t care to help, making out as it security matters was only the exclusive privilege of security agencies.
“We have so far overhauled about 60 vehicles, both for the police, Civil Defence, Immigration and the Vigilante.
So, we have done our best with the little resources at our disposal”, noted.
Ohiare urged the public to support the Trust Fund’s efforts, particularly in monitoring Okada riders, Keke, and driver unions as he emphasized that security is everyone’s business.
Ohiare commended the state Council of the NUJ for identifying with the office as key stakeholder and urged the media to sustain its spirit and assured that steps will be taken to assist the Council in its pressing challenges.
Earlier, Chairman of the Council, Alhaji Ademu Seidu said the visit was to familiarize with the Trust Fund in order to synergize for optimum performance.
Alhaji Ademu commended the Executive Chairman for the feat achieved so far, describing the success story as heart warming.
The NUJ Chairman assured that the media would continue to be a dependable ally in the quest towards attaining a crime-free society and thanked the Executive Chairman for the warm reception.
In his remark, the Special Adviser to Kogi State Governor on Media, Mr Isa Ismail said though the meeting was a coincidence, there was need to commend the Executive Chairman for his doggedness and sincerity of purpose.
Ismail explained that the present administration was committed to making the state the safest in the Country through effective security architecture and praised the NUJ in Kogi State for its positive role at ensuring peace and tranquility. (Ends)