Idris Ahmed, Lokoja.
Kogi State Governor,Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has expressed confidence and capability of the Nigerian women in security for their resilient and commitment towards ensuring a safe nation for all and urged them to imbibe discipline and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
A press release signed by the Chief Press Secretary, Onogwu Mohammed , said Bello gave the commendation and charge on Friday during a visit to the National Institute for Security Studies, Bwari, Federal Capital Territory, where he attended the closing ceremony of a Special Intervention Squad (SIS) Course.
He said the general believe that women lack the physical strength and endurance to serve in either military or paramilitary services was not tenable as many young women in the service have demonstrated their capacity to defend the country in the maintenance of peace.
The governor noted that the integration of women in the military and paramilitary organisations over the years was a welcome development, adding that it was based on the recognition of women in such endeavour that a more peoples centric approach to security is necessary given the effect of insecurity on civilians, and mostly women and children.
Bello charged security agencies in the country to deploy more sophisticated gadgets in the areas of information and intelligence gathering and aerial surveillance.
“The security situation in the country today requires a more conciliatory approach, especially where paramilitary tasks include the protection of populations which has led to demands to increase the number of women in maintenance of peace in the society today”.
He charged all security agencies to intensify effort in tackling the resurgence of criminals in the country.
While responding to the commendation by the Honourable Minister for Women Affairs Dame Pauline Talen at the occasion for being the first Governor in the history of the country to choose a female Aide De Camp, Bello noted that female in the services undergo equal training just like the male counterparts noting that there shouldn’t be such thing as discrimination on the basis of sex. He extolled the female officers for their focus, determination and diligence.
Yahaya Bello become the first and only governor in the country with female Aide-de Camp when he accepted the posting of Miss Iwanger Akaya for the position in February, 2020.
