ANAMBRA NSCDC CELEBRATES  INTERNATIONAL CIVIL  DEFENCE DAY, LAUDS MAKU’S ACHIEVEMENT 

By Juliana Nwachukwu  :

The Anambra State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC has celebrated the 2025 International Civil Defence Day with the renewal of the pledge to protect lives, maintain security during emergencies and to educate the public on safety measures and disaster preparedness.

This is contained in a press release by the Head Media and Tactical Ops, SC Okadigbo Edwin to mark the International Civil Defence Day with theme, “Civil Defence: Guarantee of Security For Population”.

“Observed annually on March 1, World Civil Defence Day highlights the importance of civil defence measures in safeguarding people and property from accidents, natural disasters, and crises. The day serves as a reminder of the crucial role played by civil defence services in ensuring public safety and preparedness.

“This year’s theme underscores the critical role of civil defence organizations in ensuring public safety. It emphasizes the need for effective disaster management, community involvement, and proactive preparedness measures to protect people from potential hazards. The theme also encourages governments and local authorities to strengthen emergency response systems and enhance public awareness of risk management strategies.”

Addressing officers and men at the State Command Headquarters Awka, the NSCDC State Commandant, Maku Olatunde said,  “The NSCDC  like the rest of the world celebrate the  International Civil Defence World Day on the first day of March every year, in an attempt to praise the huge developmental role shouldered by Civil Defence in protecting lives, and critical assets of the nation.

The NSCDC State boss added that the event underscores the specialised role of the Corps in safeguarding the federal, states and local governments’ assets which distinguished the NSCDC from other security agencies. 

He declared that the Corps has been very effective in handling civil unrest, monitoring of federal and state government facilities, especially oil pipelines and public places, registration and monitoring of private guards security companies, protection of schools through the safe school project, stoppage of illegal mining activities, and protection of agro allied industry  to mention but a few.

Commandant Maku expressed his gratitude to  the Commandant General of NSCDC Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR for his exceptional leadership in transforming the NSCDC since taking office. He also appreciated the Executive Governor of Anambra State and the Hon Minister of Interior for their operational support, which enabled him to achieve notable successes during his tenure as the Anambra State Commandant.

Enumerating some of Commandant Maku’s achievements as the 17th substantive State Commandant of the NSCDC in Anambra State Command during the event, Deputy Commandant Prominence Ukaobi said he made significant strides in transforming the security landscape of the state since assuming office. 

According to her, Maku’s leadership has been marked by series of innovative initiatives, strategic partnerships, and operational successes that have repositioned the NSCDC as a formidable force in maintaining law and order.

“One of his  earliest achievements was the successful hosting of his first management meeting, where he made a bold statement to transform the security landscape in Anambra State. This meeting set the tone for his administration, emphasizing the need for collaboration, innovation, and operational efficiency.

“He also embarked on familiarization visits to key stakeholders and sister security agencies, introducing his mission, seeking collaborative support, and fostering strong relationships,” she said.

Continuing, DCC Ukaobi said Commandant Maku’s commitment to discipline and professionalism is evident in his efforts to resuscitate the weekly parade, which had become lackluster. He revamped the parade, providing guidance and lectures to personnel on the proper way to conduct the parade.

Additionally, he puts an end to lateness and absence without official leave (AWOLS), leading by example with his punctuality to work. The welfare of personnel has also received significant attention under his leadership.

“He introduced Monthly Wage Awards, backed by cash incentives, to recognize and reward exceptional dedication to duty with several packages like sharing of office equipments and operational gadgets to all departments and units”

“The Civil Defence  Officers’ Wives Association (CDOWA) was also reinvigorated, with the launch of the new rejigged CDOWA, which has galvanized officers’ wives toward the set objectives of the association.

“Commandant Maku has made significant strides in infrastructure development, renovating offices within the command to give them a modern look and constructing an additional office to accommodate various departments and units . He also successfully secured a new official residence for the state commandant through the State Government.

“In addition to infrastructure development, Commandant Maku has demonstrated his commitment to operational efficiency. He oversaw the repair of grounded vehicles, revitalized the Technical Department, and acquired  two refurbished additional vehicles from the State Government. Moreso, he prioritized training and manpower development, recognizing its impact on operational efficiency. To achieve this, he collaborated with the Ministry of Education to organize sensitization programs, further enhancing the capabilities of the NSCDC personnel” she asserted.

On delivering on the NSCDC core mandate, the command 2ic said that the protection of critical national, state and local government assets and infrastructure has been a major focus area for Commandant Maku. 

“He has ensured that all Critical National, State, and Local Government Assets and infrastructure are kept under surveillance and protected from vandalism.

“He has also collaborated with relevant stakeholders including, Ministry of Petroleum Resources and Solid Minerals, and the Federal Mines Officer in Awka to regulate mining activities, arrest illegal miners, and prevent revenue loss to the Federal and State Governments” she pointed out.

The Deputy Commandant Akaachia Godwin, the head of Administration Department praised Commandant Maku’s leadership, highlighting his numerous operational successes,  notably, among them securing a Fiat to prosecute cases at the State High Court and Magistrate Courts, achieving convictions and introducing Ops Anti-Sit-at-home order/Confidence Building Operations on Mondays throughout the state, which effectively prevented crime and terminated the illegal sit-at-home order imposed by IPOB/ESN.

Furthermore, his disposition to  collaborate with licensed Private Guards Companies, monitoring, supervising, and training of their staff to ensure professionalism in their practice.

Deputy Commandant Alada Yakubu, the Head of Operations said that Commandant Maku’s  achievements in office have been truly remarkable. 

“His leadership has transformed the NSCDC Anambra State Command into a highly effective and efficient organization, capable of responding to the complex security challenges facing the state. His commitment to discipline, professionalism, and operational efficiency has earned him the respect and admiration of his personnel, stakeholders, and the general public”, he announced. 

The event featured special prayers and thanksgiving for protection and the progress of the command, lectures, health talks and display of Tactical Simulations Operations among others.

*Juliana is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State*