REPORT ON THE ADVOCACY VISIT TO THE KOGI STATE COMMANDANT, NIGERIA SECURITY AND CIVIL DEFENCE CORPS (NSCDC)
By: Chukwu Peace Chioma , Public Relation Officer (PDCRC)
The Kogi State Public Defender and Citizens’ Rights Commission (PDCRC), led by its Director General, Onogo Idris, recently paid an advocacy visit to the Kogi State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The team was warmly received by the State Commandant, Akilade Esther O., alongside her Chief Protocol Officer, Mr. Ugochukwu Okechi. The visit provided an opportunity for engagement with the leadership of the NSCDC to discuss legal rights, the role of PDCRC in promoting justice, and the importance of gender equality in law enforcement and society at large.
The meeting commenced with a warm reception from Commandant Akilade Esther O., who expressed her appreciation for the visit and commended PDCRC’s dedication to legal education, human rights advocacy, and the protection of vulnerable groups. She acknowledged the crucial role PDCRC plays in ensuring justice and legal aid for indigent individuals in Kogi State.
She emphasized that gender equality is a fundamental issue that must be at the forefront of legal and security discussions. She noted that women often face discrimination and various forms of violence, stressing the need for collaboration between security agencies and legal institutions like PDCRC to address these challenges.
Following the Commandant’s remarks, Chukwu Peace, the Public Relations Officer of PDCRC and a serving corps member with the Commission, introduced the PDCRC delegation. She provided an overview of the Commission’s mandate, which includes offering free legal aid, advocacy and alternative dispute resolution services to the residents of Kogi State, particularly the indigent and vulnerable.
She further explained that PDCRC has been actively engaging with various institutions, including security agencies, schools, religious organizations, and traditional rulers, to raise awareness about human rights laws and promote access to justice.
During the discussion, Commandant Akilade Esther O. strongly emphasized the need for continued advocacy on gender equality within security agencies and the wider community. She highlighted the importance of educating both male and female officers on the provisions of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) (VAPP) Law, 2022, especially concerning gender-based violence, workplace harassment, and the protection of women’s rights.
She stressed that for effective enforcement of laws protecting vulnerable persons, security personnel must be adequately trained to recognize, prevent, and respond to gender-based violence and discrimination. She also reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring that NSCDC personnel in Kogi State uphold the principles of justice and fairness in handling cases involving gender-related offenses.
At the conclusion of the discussions, Commandant Akilade Esther O. reiterated her appreciation for the PDCRC’s visit and the valuable insights shared. She acknowledged that such advocacy efforts are essential in fostering a security system that is inclusive, gender-sensitive, and committed to upholding human rights. She further advocated for a follow-up visit where the PDCRC team would have access to her full team of officers to provide more extensive sensitization program. She emphasized that it is crucial for all personnel to be aware of their legal responsibilities in protecting human rights, particularly in cases related to gender-based violence, domestic abuse, and discrimination.
In his remarks, Mr. Ugochukwu Okechi, the Chief Protocol Officer, commended the PDCRC’s efforts and assured the team of the NSCDC’s cooperation in future engagements. He highlighted the importance of continuous collaboration between security agencies and legal institutions to ensure better enforcement of laws and improved protection for all individuals, regardless of gender.
The advocacy visit to the Kogi State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) was a resounding success. It reinforced the importance of gender equality in law enforcement and the need for ongoing legal education for security personnel.
The PDCRC, under the leadership of Director General Onogo Idris, reaffirmed its commitment to advocacy, legal aid, and alternative dispute resolution services, ensuring that law enforcement agencies are well-equipped to protect human rights and promote justice in Kogi State.
The session concluded with a collective commitment to further engagements, with plans for a subsequent visit where PDCRC can conduct a comprehensive sensitization program for the entire NSCDC team in Kogi State. This will ensure a broader reach in enlightening officers about legal frameworks that protect vulnerable persons and promote gender equality in security operations.