The Muslim Congress (TMC), Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has called on members of the community to actively participate in tackling the prevalent security challenges ravaging Nigeria.
Besides, the group also said at the annual security awareness programme held on Sunday, January 22, 2023, at the LCDA Secretariat, Lagos that the protection of lives and property is both individual and collective responsibility.
Muslim News gathered that the event was organised to sensitise members of the community on their duties to effectively tackle the rising problems of insecurity in the country.
The event had in attendance a delegation from the National Headquarters of TMC, a representative of the Divisional Police Officer in Ejigbo LCDA, officers of different security and safety outfits and members of the general public.
The Wakil of TMC in the LCDA, Al-Ameen Sakin Bamidele said the programme was borne out of the body’s commitment to continually sensitise its members and the general public on the need to be actively involved in ensuring the security of lives and property.
He said: “We’re here today for a security awareness programme for our members and the general public, to increase security consciousness and promote individual responsibility on matters of security and safety.
“We all know the current situation of things in the country, especially about insecurity. There is a need for us to know what to do in the face of security threats to lives and property. This is for the people of Ejigbo, Isolo and its environs to know their responsibilities when there is an issue of insecurity in their area.”
The Wakil said the programme was not meant for Muslims alone, adding that his organisation invited over 20 non-muslim organisations, security outfits, and CDA/CDCs, for the security seminar with the theme: “Our Safety, Our Concern”.
Speaking on the topic; “Security of Lives: Communal Vigilance on Call”, Supol Alimi Ahmed, who represented the DPO, Ejigbo Police Division, CSP Funsho Thomas, said citizens’ participation will further ease the work for security personnel and promote the security of lives and property.
According to him: “People should always report suspicious movements to the police, particularly the DPO. His line is accessible at any time of the day. This will not only fast track prompt response, but it will also allay the fears the masses have on how the police handle classical information.”
He urged the citizenry to stay vigilant at all times.
Speaking on Domestic and Environmental Hazards; Our Responsibility, Mallam Sulaiman Ijaoba, a safety expert stressed the need for everyone to keep every hazard away from the environment.
He said: “It is disheartening that in this part of the world, much attention is not given to safety. Lagos is the state that has been taking the lead in ensuring safety.
“We all see the hazards in our environment, but we don’t give attention to them. It is pertinent that we take safety seriously because prevention is better, cheaper and safer than cure.” He mentioned different hazards that could be found at home and ways of dealing with them.
Why this event is unique – Adekomaiya
Taiwo Misbaudeen Adekomaiya, one of the attendees and an accountant with Nestle Group could not hide his feelings about the awareness.
He made it known to Muslim News that it was different from the ones he had attended before, saying the programme would make a lot of difference and enhance his understanding of safety and security matters.
In his words: “Although I have attended many safety awareness programmes at work, this one is an eye-opener that brought things down to the level of what happens in our homes. As I speak, I’m now more informed and conscious than I used to be. Once I get home, I’m going to check all that needs to be checked from the burglary proofs, doors, windows and everything at home.
“I’ll also get a fire blanket, although I have a fire extinguisher at home already. With what we’ve learned here today, it is essential that one has a fire blanket at home as well. We need to be more proactive and keep away all hazards.” He extended hearty appreciation to TMC for bringing such an educative programme to the people.
We want more of this informative programme – Murtadha
Another female attendee by the name Hafsah Murtadha who told Muslim News she learned things she has never heard from the programme, opined that the seminar should not just be an annual event but quarterly.
She said: “I have gained a lot. There are lot of educative information I have never heard in my life.
“The organizers should not make it once a year, but at least once every three months. We need it to stay informed and vigilant about our environment. ”
She offered prayers to Almighty Allah to reward the organisers abundantly and continue to strengthen them upon goodness.
