By Law Ibitoye
The newly deployed Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ekiti State Command, CC Sotiyo Igbalawole Emmanuel, has solicited the partnership and support of journalists in the state to enable the corps to provide more effective security services to residents.
Igbalawole made the call during the September Congress of the Ekiti State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), where he described journalists as freedom fighters and commended them for their contributions to society and the promotion of human rights.
The Commandant urged journalists to serve as the “eyes and ears” of the security agency by promptly reporting developments that require security attention, while stressing the importance of objectivity and professionalism in their reportage.
He said the NSCDC and the media had complementary roles to play in maintaining peace and security in the state, noting that he could not be everywhere at the same time.
According to him, the command would prioritise prompt response to distress calls and maintain regular engagement with Community Development Associations (CDAs) across the state as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots security.
He also called for a partnership anchored on the principle of “seeing something and saying something,” stressing that timely information from journalists and members of the public could help security agencies prevent threats and respond effectively to emerging security situations.
Speaking on the recent flooding in parts of Ekiti, Igbalawole said the NSCDC was among the first security agencies to visit communities and families affected by the flood, adding that the corps remained committed to protecting lives and property as well as responding promptly to emergencies.
He said he owed the people of Ekiti a responsibility to deliver effective service and urged journalists to work closely with the command in promoting peace, safety and security across the state.
Responding, the Ekiti NUJ Chairman, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi, assured the Commandant that journalists in the state were ready to work harmoniously with the NSCDC and support efforts aimed at protecting lives and property.This version keeps your original angle while making the story more concise, newsy and suitable for an online publication.