From Kehinde Akinyemisam, Abeokuta
Former president Olusegun Obasanjo has backed for the move to review the act setting up the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to reduce security threats in the country.
Obasanjo, whose administration in 2005, provided the legal statute for the transformation of the civil defence, emphasized that there was nothing wrong to seek improvement for the organization, especially in accommodating the private security professionals in the country.
The former President, who spoke at the maiden edition of ASIS International, ASIS 206 Lagos Annual Leadership Retreat, held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, however cautioned that such review should be supported by effective monitoring and control.
While deploring the current insecurity in the country, also canvassed for effective leadership, good governance, development and strong value system within the context of our culture and tradition to address security challenges confronting the country as a nation.
Drawing from submissions from members of the association at the interactive session, Obasanjo said, “if it is the law that will require to be reviewed, there is nothing wrong in as much as it is for the goal of overcoming our security challenges.
“And, you should know what to do. You have to approach the National Assembly to seek for such amendment. But, we have to also ensure that such amendment is effective and be controlled in order not to compromise the essence of the review.”
Obasanjo noted that a good leader must have experience both good and bad sides of life that would help him to strategize on how to handle any threat.
The Chairman of ASIS 206 Lagos Chapter, Oluwaseyi Adetayo said that the civil defense law review would guarantee professionalism of security practice in the country, which boost the sector employment opportunities.
Adetayo said that, “ASIS International has been providing the platform for networking, education, information on new technology and training for all security professionals all over the world on an as annual basis in the United States.”
He explained that the theme of the retreat “Building Capacity for Professional Growth” was arrived at in order to attend to one of the major gaps in our industry, which is leadership.
“As many of us have grown to strategic leadership level in our various businesses, it is only important that we back professional and technical knowledge with required leadership skills.”