From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
The Kebbi State Government through the Direct Contact Communication Ltd has kicked off a two-day workshop for Councillors and Vice Chairmen across the 21 Local Government Councils of the State on how to strengthen security in their various councils.
Malami Jabbo, the Public Affairs Unit of Direct Contact Communication Ltd., who stated this in a statement made available to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi, noted that the exercise was part of a deliberate response to the growing concerns over security in rural communities by the Kebbi State Government under the leadership of Dr. Nasir Idris.
Jabbo explained that the exercise was to enhance Grassroots Security by working with stakeholders in intelligence gathering and Strategic Information for Safer Communities.
According to him, ” the initiative is aimed at improving community-based information gathering to enhance security as part of proactive measures to promote public safety”.
He quoted the Lead Consultant of Direct Contact Communication Ltd, Prof. Mustapha Nasir Malam to have emphasized the significance of the early detection of security threats and proactive measures towards achieving peace and tranquility Security at the grassroots
“He said the purpose of the workshop was to among other things Strengthen collaboration with stakeholders in security discussions to encourage intelligence information gathering, and also train the Councillors as grassroots representatives in information gathering and reporting techniques while ensuring their safety and confidentiality.
“Prof Mustapha Malam said Direct Contact Communication Ltd is a communications and professional training firm with offices in Abuja and Kano and is well-equipped with experienced and versatile resource persons and respected individuals drawn from within and outside the university system who have the expertise to speak on their topics of presentation.
‘He said the resource persons combine both academic and professional experience, which is an added advantage to the participants.”
Malam expressed optimism that at the end of the workshop, the capacity of the participants will be better enhanced to enable them to effectively complement the efforts of Kauran Gwandu’s administration in containing the issue of insecurity and also deliver the dividends of democracy to the electorate.
He also appreciated the Kebbi State Government and the State Ministry for Local Government for the justifiable human capital investment, the benefits of which will soon impact positively on the security strategy and performance of the Local Government Councils..
Ibrahim Bubuche Mni, a retired Assistant Director General of DSS, maintains that security is everyone’s business, hence the need for collaborative effective towards having a secure society.
He commended the Kebbi State Government under the leadership of Dr.Nasir Idris for organising the workshop which he described as the first of its kind, expressing confidence that the seminar will go a long way in fostering stronger partnerships between communities and law enforcement agencies thereby bridging gaps and build a culture of cooperation.
“Grassroots security is the foundation of national safety. By empowering communities to participate in proactive information sharing, we can collectively combat emerging threats and ensure a peaceful environment for all.” Said Bubuche
Also speaking, the Kebbi State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Garba Dutsinmari represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Hajiya Aisha Muhammad, said the workshop underscores Dr. Nasir Idris’s commitment to addressing security challenges comprehensively, starting from the grassroots.
She therefore called on all the stakeholders, especially traditional rulers, religious leaders and youth groups, to support and actively participate and contribute to the overall success of this wonderful initiative.
The workshop was attended by 253 participants comprising 21 local government Vice Chairmen, and 225 Councillors as well as the Permanent Secretary, Kebbi state Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Haj. Aisha Muhammad; Director Inspectorate of the Ministry, Alh. Muktar Sidi; Special Adviser to the State Governor on Local Government Affairs, Hon. Muhammad Lawal Na’Allah and his counterpart on Ex-Chairmen and Councillors, Hon. Nasiru Umar Longu, Adviser on Chieftaincy Affairs Alh Faruku Gatan Gwandu.