By amaechi kingsley
In an effort to combat crime from the grass-root, Search Light Initiative for Community Peace and Development in Nigeria (SLICPDN) formerly CPCN, held a two day inaugural lecture and retreat with the theme “Volunteer Effort with neighborhood watch programme in crime prevention”, inducted its 27local government area co-ordinators at the Ahajoku cultural centre.
In his welcome address, the Imo state Commandant of Corps, Nwannam Emmanuel stated that SPLICPDA is a non- governmental, non-profit and a non- partisan group of well meaning Nigerians that are concerned with security challenges in the society and have risen voluntarily contribute their quota by collaborating with security agencies. He said that crime is no longer the sole responsibility of the Nigerian Police but a collective effort through the contribution of civil society and volunteer groups like the SPLICPDN.
Delivering the lecture on theme “Volunteer Effort With Neighborhood Watch Programme in crime prevention” Barrister Daniel Mbonu enumerated the rights of an individual as stated in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and advocated for the use of effective methods to attain peace so as to avoid violence. He advised members to respect superiority and authority.
Earlier in a key note address, the Director General of the newly inducted Corps Ogunmodede Akinloye added that the SLICPDN is a community based voluntary organization initiated to partner with security agencies to promote the core values of community policing with the aim of crime prevention and control as well as to advocate for inter-agency collaboration, intelligence gathering and information.
Meanwhile, inducting the 27 LGA coordinators, Ogunmodede stated that with its vast increasing number of men nationwide, he is optimistic that information will be better passed for security purposes and advised the newly inducted coordinators and members of SLICPDN to conduct their activities within the established rules and regulations guiding the organization.
Speaking the SA to Imo state Governor on Security Matters, Chief Bon Ohiri, confirmed that with accurate synergy, the sole aim for the partnership with SLICPDN and security agencies can be actualized. He further charged Imolites to be pro-active members of the organization to help in combating crime by picking-up their membership forms at their various local government headquarters’.
