ICDO 2025: My International Exposure tonics for clean up crimes, criminality in Kogi — CD Akinlade.
* Secures 3 convictions in one week.
ATABOR JULIUS LOKOJA
As the world marks the 2025 International Civil Defence Organisation Day, ICDO, the New Commandant of Kogi state Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps , CD Akinlade Esther has pledged to use her international exposures to clean up crimes and criminality from the state.
The commandant made the disclosure in an exclusive interview with Independent on Wednesday in Lokoja, kogi state as part of activities marking the event in Lokoja..
Commandant Akinlade noted that contrary to reports , stories and comments about high rates of crimes in kogi, it has been peaceful and crime free, even though, no society is devoid of crimes.
According to her , kogi state despites its location that borders with nine states and the FCT which could attracts criminals from other states, her few months on the saddle in the state points to the contrary of negative comments on the crime visibility in the state.
The NSCDC boss praised Governor Ododo for his assistance to the corps which translates to the reduction to the barest minimum crimes and criminality in the state.
She added that the crime rate in the state is very low, although , isolated infraction do occur , saying , the command has the wherewithal to totally clean up and sweep off those criminals running from the epicenter of banditry in the North East to some parts of kogi state.
CD Akinlade disclosed that, ICDO, an organisation founded in 1931, with 61 member states, 16 observers and 23 affiliates celebrate her founders Day on every 1st of March, which Nigeria and indeed Kogi is a strong participant.
She averred that the experiences garnered over time through the Organisation which is part of United Nations, imbued in her capacities to nib in the bud elements of crimes and criminality that would raise ugly heads in the state.
She explained that in the course of her assignments in the Organisation, she was able to travel to some countries across the globe including but not limited to Niger, Egypt , Morroco, Karzatan and Russia with life changing experiences on the nature of crimes and criminality.
While explaining that in some of the member counties , the major concern is about disaster management with man made unnatural disasters, Nigeria is blessed with quality ecosystem.
Explaining further, she noted that she was able to meet with Secretary General of UN and hosting countries and issues often on the front burner is how to raise funds for countries in needs and how to secure lives and property of member states.
On how she was able to secure three judgements in one week” The feat was achieved because of efficiency and being incharge. It is all because I came here for a purpose to work for Kogi and because, criminal elements must be prosecuted for their crimes as deterrent to others. ” For criminals to be sent to jail is not about them to rot in prison but to be reformed by learning skills that will change them for good
” Our main target is for criminals to reflect on their actions and to refrain from it. We will continue to let them know that their actions are back by concomitant reactions. And we are glad that kogi state is backing us in this direction and the Judiciary for living to the expectations.”
She commended the Commandant General of Corps Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi for given the women in the service the opportunities to express themselves and being in the state is in line with his vision.
” Nigeria is a male dominated society. It is patriarchal in nature. It is man, man and man and nothing else. But the Commandant General , in compliance with UN gender balance, that women should be given a chance to express themselves, posted some of us to states, and I can bet you, we are doing our best. There is an adage that, if you train a girl child you train a nation is readily apt with us in our NSCDC.”
She assured the people of the state of her commitment to rid crimes and predatory elements, commended the people for their cooperation and urge them to give credible information to security agencies to secure lives and property in the state.
