The Secretary to the Government of Imo State (SGI), Sir Jude Ejiogu has called on the general public to always corporate with various security agencies in the state in ensuring that all challenges facing the country are nipped in the bud, describing security personnel in Imo State as trained professionals.

Sir Ejiogu was speaking as a special guest of honour at the 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze, in Owerri West local government council of Imo state on behalf of the state government during the unveiling of the Study Period for the 2016 with the theme: ‘Contemporary Security Challenges in 34 Artillery Brigade Area of Responsibility: The Way Forward.’

Sir Ejiogu while declaring Imo as a peaceful state maintained that it was made manifest due to the active role been played by the Military through a robust collaboration with other security agents, and commended them for the parts they have played in ensuring a peaceful environment.

The SGI while furthering stated that even though the agitation for the sovereign state of Biafra has posed security challenges in the South East region which has given rise for armed robbery, kidnapping and other social vices, applauded the Military for playing a major role to keep the polity safe and secured.

According to Sir Ejiogu, the task of maintaining peace and security cannot be achieved without the Military, saying that democracy could only thrive in a secure and assured environment, while hinting that the partnership between the Military and other relevant institutions ensure respect for set rules and minimum accepted standards in the political arena.

He described the Military as a very strategic instrument of the state with peculiar features of centralized command, hierarchy, discipline, internal communications and espirit de corps, stating that the attributes position the institution as an effective tool readily deployed by the state to prevent and control insurgents at any level.

In his lecture, Retired Brig Gen. J.O Komolafe said that the inability of the Military to react to security issues at any given time could result to waste of lives and property, maintaining that national security has gone beyond the use of military alone but should be allowed to involve the economy, health, values, food, environment, energy and culture.

He called on the Military and other security agents to be proactive in responding to security issues, describing it as the only instrument geared towards uplifting the security and living standard of the general public.

Those who contributed include the Commander, 34 Artillery Brigade Obinze, Brig Gen. J.O Kay Isiyaku and the Garrison Commander, Col J.O Adeyemi among others.

Those in attendance include Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, Mr. Taiwo Lekanu, Director of State Security Service, Comptroller of Customs, and Commandant of FRSC.

•Photo shows Sir Ejiogu.