FULL TEXT OF THE EXECUTIVE SPEECH BY THE GOVERNOR OF KOGI STATE, HE ALH AHMED USMAN ODODO ON THE OCCASION OF THE DISTRIBUTION OF SECURITY GADGETS AND SECURITY MATERIALS TO RECRUITTED HUNTERS

THIS IS THE TEXT OF THE EXECUTIVE SPEECH BY THE GOVERNOR OF KOGI STATE, HE ALH AHMED USMAN ODODO ON THE OCCASION OF THE DISTRIBUTION OF SECURITY GADGETS AND SECURITY MATERIALS TO RECRUITTED HUNTERS

1. It is my great honour to stand here today to discharge my most important duty to the great people of Kogi State, which is the security of lives and property.

2. Our determination to evolve a grassroots approach to security and engage our hunters was strengthened by their courageous and professional conduct during our rescue operations that led to the release of 29 of the 31 kidnapped students from CUSTECH. Our belief in a people-based approach to security as the new strategy is a clear manifestation of our determination to recalibrate our security architecture.

3. While we are desperate and determined to ensure security, in line with our commitment to lawful approach and due process, we forwarded a request to the Kogi State Assembly to approve the recruitment of 1,050 hunters to complement the efforts of our conventional security agents and the Assembly graciously and patriotically approved the same.

4. We thank Mr. President for giving states the opportunity to implement local solutions to curb the activities of criminals. Let me also take this opportunity to thank the National Security Adviser for his constant support in our efforts to ensure the security of Kogi for all, and the heads of security agencies for helping to ensure that the recruited hunters are properly orientated on the rules of engagement. This synergy has been the driving force behind our security success in Kogi State.

5. We are at an advanced stage to insure the lives of hunters. We are also distributing safety gadgets and safety materials such as level 4 bulletproof vests to repel bullet attacks, as well as shoes to help them move around the forests without injury, and other materials. In our fight against terrorism, we must agree that the battlefields have changed and technology has evolved. We are determined to fight at different levels and secure our land and people. Kogi will be one step ahead of the enemies of peace.

6. It will be of interest to you that the hunters have been given a certain level of intensive training and orientation to guide them in the task ahead. As a responsible government, it is our duty to protect the lives of those entrusted with the responsibility of protecting our people. It is our duty to reduce the risks they face in the process of defending our country from crime.

7. In the same spirit, we demand the highest level of responsibility and discipline from the recruited hunters in the discharge of their duties. Our confidence in your abilities, discipline, patriotism and professionalism has never been greater after your courageous and brave feat in rescuing our beloved students from the jaws of their kidnappers.

8. An unusual situation requires an unusual approach to achieve an unusual result. I was not elected to submit to crime. You elected me to protect you and your property. My commitment to meet your expectations is unquestionable. We will defeat crime in our dear country.

9. My administration is committed to combining kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to ensure safety. We are improving the economy. We are creating an environment that creates jobs for our teeming youth. We are making education free to ensure that every child receives an education. However, we will pursue criminal elements with our wall of force. We will win.

10. I hereby announce that I am distributing safety gadgets and materials to our hunters. All 4.5 million Kogis are rooting for you to make our state an unwanted territory for criminals. You are to work in synergy with other conventional security agencies and not in unnecessary competition. Together we will ensure the safety of Kogi.

11. Thank you and God bless you.

HE Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo

Chief Servant of the State of Kogi

04/07/2024