By Samuel Ogude
Ovwian-Anti-cult Unit of Anti-Cult Volunteer Executive has been inaugurated. The inauguration of the Unit Executive which is headed by Comrade Solomon Agino took place on Wednesday at Okor- Victory, Otor-Udu in Udu Local Government Area of the state.
In his brief speech while swearing the body, the State Commandant of Anti-Cult Volunteer Corps, Chief Kelvin Uvieghara said security is a shared responsibility adding that, with the co- operation of all stakeholders, crimes and criminality would be reduced to the barest minimum in different communities and state in particular and the nation at large. His words: “As a Corps, we strongly believe that security is a shared responsibility. Today’s gathering presents an opportunity for us to strengthen collaboration, build synergy, and deepen partnerships among all stakeholders. Together, we can work towards achieving a cult violence-free society and reducing crime and criminality to the barest minimum within our communities, across ethnic divides, and in our nation at large.”
According to him, since the vision of the organization to create an environment that would guarantee residents to live peacefully and carry out their daily activities without fear, and sleep at night with both eyes closed, free from anxiety or fear of the unknown, he charged the newly sworn-in Unit Commander and his executive members to work with all sincerity and purpose as that is only way they could succeed and rid the place of criminals. His words:” Let me also use this opportunity to charge the newly sworn-in Unit Commander and his Executive members: the task before you is enormous, but with dedication, discipline, and integrity, success is assured”.
The State Commandant charged them to exhibit their duties with courage, fairness and high sense of duty to the people in the area. Chief Uvieghara expressed gratitude for the various community leaders, security stakeholders and other guests, to have graced the occasion despite their busy schedule as that shows their commitment towards the safety of lives and property in the area. His words: “At this juncture, I wish to sincerely acknowledge and appreciate all our esteemed signatories, dignitaries, community leaders, security stakeholders, and special guests who have graced this event.
“Your presence here today is not taken for granted. We understand the weight of your various responsibilities and the demands on your time, yet you chose to honour this invitation. This alone speaks volumes of your commitment to peace, security, and community development”, he added. The State Commandant expressed gratitude for the continuous support and synergy of all and sundry as that would guarantee the eradication of crimes in the area and beyond. His words: “Once again, I thank you all for your presence, your support, and your continued commitment to the ideals of peace, unity, and security. Together, we shall succeed.”
On his part, Comr. Al-Amin Ebru, (HRA, UcA, IFMJ, DMmP) Burutu Zonal Intelligence/ State O.C Public Relations, said, the occasion is not a formality but a bold declaration of shared commitment to confronting and eradicating cultism and all related crimes in the state.
According to him, the society lives in a time when abnormalities are seen to be a good thing adding that, the vices must be rejected as they have eaten deeply into the youths like cancer worm. Comrade Ibru said, cultism destroys future of those involved and called for joint efforts to fight this menace in the society. His words:” To our youths… there is no glory cultism – only regret, and loss of integrity. Choose dignity, purpose and lawful pursuit, your future is too precious to lose.” While charging the new executive to be committed and reducing crime to the barest minimum in Udu Local Government Area, he said, the present administration is based on transparency, accountability, and therefore, all hands must be on deck to achieve this noble objective by ensuring there is needed peace and development at all levels.
Others who spoke include the Burutu Z.C/ State O.C. SOS. Chief Sunday Etadafe. He said the main aim of the body is to reduce cultism and related crimes in the area and therefore charged the new Unit Commander and his Executive to stand on their ground to do what is good to reduce crime and criminality in the area. His words: “If he works effectively, God will give him wisdom to pilot the affairs of the people.”
Responding, the newly sworn-in Unit Commander, Comrade Solomon Agino a.k.a Black Arrow, on behalf of his executive, said, he would carry out his duties with his executive as in line with the aims and objectives of the organization. According to him, he was ready to laise with other security agencies such as the police, the Army, Navy to make the area safe for the people. He expressed gratitude for the body for finding him worthy for this exalted position and above all, he thanked God Almighty who made it possible. His words:” l thank God who made it possible for me to be appointed as Unit Commander for Ovwian-Anti-cult. I am ready to work with security agencies to rid the place of criminals.”
The occasion was witnessed by Comrade Justice T. Afor(State O/C Admin), Chief Victor Amreyan(State O/C Finance, Samson Amonugbe, JP (Patrons Admin), Chief Rukevwe Asigboro(Oghara Unit commander), Ofuoma Unit, Orogun, Igun and other unit commanders. Others were: Comr. Peter Edo (Ebrumede unit Commander), Hon. Freeborn Shalokpe( Udu Council Supervising Councillor),ASP Queen and other sectional heads and patrol other teams(Rep the DPO).
Also present were: Comr. Prosper Oghenenyore( Udu Central VGN 2ic), Comr. Kayode Abiodun( Udu Raiders Commander), Comr. Prince Jeffery(Udu CJTF Commnder), Ayo Olamide( O/C Python Squad), Families, friends, well-wishers, and others too numerous to mention. The highlight of the ceremony was the cultural dances by Udje dancing group, musical entertainment, among others.