Alltimepost.com Sincerity of Purpose
By Idahosa Musa
Edo State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr. Agun Gbenga, has said that there is need for collective effort in the protection of the nation’s assets.
He made the assertion in Benin recently during a Stakeholders Meeting on Collaboratory Protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI).
The event, organised by the state command, were attended by other sisters security agencies, representatives of telecommunication companies, BEDC, TCN, community leaders, among others.
The state commandant who described the theme of the program as timely and underscored the importance of collaboration and innovation in protection of national assets, emphasized the imperative of protection of critical national assets and infrastructure.
According to him, “our nation’s progress and prosperity depend heavily on the uninterrupted operation of these vital systems, from power plants to transportation networks, communication systems to water treatment facilities.”
Gbenga, who lamented that “these assets are not without risk, threats, both internal and external,” stressed: “It is our duty as guidance of these assets, to stay ahead of these threats and ensure the continuity of our nation’s essential services.”
He warned that “cyber-attacks, terrorism, sabotage, and other malicious activities pose significant challenges to the security and resilience of our critical infrastructure,” while expressing confidence that “our collective efforts will yield significant benefits for our great state.”
On his part, DCC Sule Muhammad, the Head of Department, CNAI, NSCDC, Edo State Command, emphasized the need for regular and adequate surveillance of the nation’s critical infrastructure.
Also speaking, Lieutenant Colonel David Aghedo (rtd.), Chief Security Office, Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), who lamented that “vandalism is the most common threat to our operations,” disclosed that “people who carry out this act of vandalism are enlightened and well read ones, and not the common man.”
Also speaking, Engineer Matthew Ariyibi, Assistant General Manager, Transmission Company of Nigeria, Benin Region, said “the activities of scavengers pose threats to our operations,” warning “don’t erect any shop under our towers, it is for our own safety.”
