OSPRE HOLDS ONE-DAY ENGAGEMENT WORKSHOP FOR AWKA SOUTH COMMUNITIES ON SAFETY, RESILIENCE, AND SECURITY
By Chukwuemeka Orji/Chinwe Obi/Chinedu Ndive/Uju Okpeti :
The Office for Strategic Preparedness (OSPRE), in partnership with the UK Integrated Security Fund, organized a one-day Strategic Safety, Peace, and Resilience Engagement Workshop (SPARCS) for nine communities in Awka South.
The workshop, held at the Traditional Rulers’ Hall, Awka South Headquarters Council Secretariat, aimed to enhance local governance capacity and strengthen early warning response structures for peace and resilience. The five-hour session saw the participation of key figures, including the Mayor of Awka South, Prince Chinedu Okafor, Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Ben Chiobi, Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, Hon. Joy Okonkwo, Senior Special Assistant on Youth, Sport, and Special Duties.
Addressing attendees on strategic safety, peace, and resilience in communities, Mayor Okafor expressed his gratitude to the OSPRE National Early Warning Center team led by Mrs. Ogo Chukwu. He emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach to local government security, which allows for a comprehensive understanding of local threats, efficient resource allocation, improved information sharing, and stronger engagement, which ultimately leads to effective security response.
Mayor Okafor highlighted his open-door policy, which ensures community members are involved in security planning and initiatives, fostering a sense of ownership and empowering people to actively contribute to local safety and security. He also called for support for the Agunechemba security outfit instituted by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, emphasizing the need for necessary information to facilitate its operations.
The Anambra State Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Mazi Okpalaezeukwu, and Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Mr. Chiobi, underscored the importance of information gathering and dissemination from various sources such as community leaders, local media, and government agencies. This, they noted, is essential for identifying emerging tensions, grievances, and potential conflicts for prompt intervention by relevant authorities and security agencies. They stressed the need for effective implementation of early warning and response systems to identify and analyze conflict trends.
Other notable attendees at the workshop included the Senior Special Assistant to the Awka South Mayor on ICT, Engr. Nnaemeka Anaibue, Supervisor Councillor on Finance, Hon. Okechukwu Agumadu, Hon. Chukwudi Ndife, PGs, and Chief Security Officers (CSOs) of various communities in Awka.
*The officers are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State*