By Seriki Adinoyi in Jos
The Peace Corps of Nigeria, has commissioned 2100 cadets to boost security in the Plateau, Benue and Taraba States.
Dr. Dickson Akoh, National Commandant of the Corps, while commissioning the cadets, said that the new staff officers were subjected to a mandatory four weeks intensive training and orientation.
“They have gone through rigorous mental and physical training deliberately meant to put them in a very good stead for future responsibilities.
“In order to ensure that this training was conducted satisfactorily and in line with our established standards and norms, renowned resource personalities and specialists selected from ministries, parastatals and relevant security agencies were engaged to train them.”
Akoh told the cadets to brace up for the challenging tasks ahead considering the security tussles in the country, adding that Nigeria is witnessing series of social security problems, which threatens the peace and unity of the nation.
He identified the challenges as ranging from insurgency in the North East, secession agitation in South East, Niger Delta militancy, farmers/Fulani herdsmen clashes and general cases of kidnapping.
He said Peace Corps was determined to make conscious and deliberate effort to assist the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to foster peaceful coexistence among communities and individuals.
Akoh also appreciated the Plateau and the entire for the support given to Corps during the training and orientation.
Speaker, Plateau House of Assembly, Hon Peter Azi, who was the chairman on the occasion, said that the commissioning was apt considering the security challenges Nigeria is faced with.
Azi who was represented by his deputy, Hon Yusuf Gagdi, expressed optimism that corps to contribute significantly in promoting peaceful coexistence in the state.
He suggested that the Peace Corps personnel be deployed to ministries and agencies to assist government in achieving its mandate in maintenance of peace and security.
Plateau Commissioner for Youth Sports, Mr. Danladi Mann, also said that apart from security importance of corps, it will also reduce unemployment challenges in the state and the country.
