By Joy Akinsanya
The pioneer Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Dr. Adewale Abolurin has called for the repositioning of the Civil Defence College of Security Management to offer degree and postgraduate programmes.
Abolurin said this at the pulling-out and retirement ceremony of the Assistant Commandant-General (ACG) Iskil Makinde, who is the pioneer Provost of the Civil Defence College of Security Management, Abeokuta.
According to him, the institution should become a centre of excellence comparable to military and other specialised security training institutions.
“We want to see this institution in the nearest future as a place of pride, where everyone can confidently say it meets the demands of the modern era,” he said.
He noted that Makinde rose from an HND holder to a doctorate degree holder, describing his educational advancement as worthy of emulation.
He urged officers to pursue continuous education and professional development, regardless of their entry qualifications.
He encouraged them to learn from Makinde’s career progression and embrace continuous education, hard work and professional development.
“Afa came in as an ordinary HND holder. Today, he is pulling out as a doctorate holder.
This should encourage those who think they cannot advance their education,” he said.
Abolurin commended Makinde for his doggedness, integrity, and contributions to the development of the corps during his more than three decades of service.
He charged officers and men of the corps to be more proactive and professional in the discharge of their duties.
According to him, the advice is necessary for the corps to effectively fulfil the purpose of its upgrade by the federal government and contribute meaningfully to national security.
He also tasked officers on religious tolerance, stressing that Christians and Muslims could work together and achieve success irrespective of their religious differences.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Assistant Commandant-General,(ACG) Olushola Akibo, Zonal Commander, Zone 1 Headquarters, Lagos, described Makinde as a distinguished officer, leader, mentor and an exemplary public servant.
Akibo, who delivered the welcome address, said Makinde served the corps with professionalism, discipline, diligence, and a strong sense of responsibility.
He said Makinde’s contributions to the growth of the corps and his positive influence on officers and men would remain part of its history and legacy.
“Today, we celebrate not merely the rank attained or offices occupied, but the fine gentleman behind the uniform; the experiences gathered, relationships built and challenges overcome,” Akibo said.
The zonal commander also appreciated Makinde’s family for their sacrifices, patience, prayers, and encouragement throughout his years of service.
In his goodwill message, the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, commended Makinde for his dedication and commitment to duty.
Elemide described the retiring officer’s contributions to the corps and the nation as worthy of recognition, urging him to remain an ambassador even in retirement.
In another goodwill message, the Chief Imam of Ogbomosho land, Tolihat Yunus, congratulated Makinde on his meritorious retirement and commended him for his exemplary service, discipline and commitment to the corps.
He described him as a source of inspiration to younger officers and prayed for continued peace, good health and fulfilment in his retirement.
Also ACG Niyi Akintelure, Provost, Civil Defence College of Security Management in Abeokuta commended Makinde for his integrity and contributions to the corps.
He said Makinde had played important roles in promoting credibility and transparency in the corps, particularly in the discharge of responsibilities entrusted to him.
Makinde, who was the Zonal Commander, Zone 11 Akure, expressed appreciation to the NSCDC management, family members, religious leaders, sister security agencies, professional bodies, colleagues and friends for their support throughout his career.
He said his career had involved sacrifices, including occasions when official responsibilities took him away from his family.
Makinde said he chose to leave the service without bitterness, embracing gratitude, forgiveness, and peace.
He attributed his achievements to Allah and pledged to continue contributing to society and mentoring younger generations.
“The uniform may come off, but service to humanity must never come off the heart,” Makinde said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ceremony was attended by senior and retired NSCDC officers, traditional rulers, clerics, government officials, security agencies, family members, friends and colleagues.
Among those present were the Alake of Egbaland, represented by the Chief Imam of Egbaland, the Chief Imam of Ogbomoso, the Head of Service of Ogun State, Commandants of Ogun, Ondo and Edo commands, and other dignitaries.
(NAN)
