By Chinedu Nsofor
Introduction:
Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON, the governor of Imo State, Nigeria, made security the top priority in his first tenure as governor. Indications are that security will remain a priority for the governor in his second term, which commenced on January 15, 2024.
In the dynamic landscape of governance and security, the American-educated Dr. Ugorji Okechukwu Ugorji has emerged as a pivotal figure, bringing about significant changes and advancements in security consciousness as the pioneer Commissioner for the Ministry of Homeland Security and Vigilant Affairs in Imo State. With the full confidence and political backing of Governor Hope Uzodimma, the Commissioner's seminal tenure was marked by a series of innovative initiatives and strategic measures aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of the residents of Imo State. As the only Commissioner who is a member of the state's Security Council, he pushed peace and respect for the civil liberties of the citizens as the fulcrum of the security architecture in the state.
Implementation of Modern Security Technologies:
Ugorji's leadership of homeland security in Imo State started with a security sensitization tour of the 27 LGAs. This measure was in the face of threats and at great risks to himself and to the staff and security personnel who went with him. Subsequently, the Ministry embraced cutting-edge technologies to enhance the state's security apparatus. This included the deployment of state-of-the-art surveillance systems, CCTV cameras, and other advanced tools to monitor and respond to security threats in strategic places in the state.
Community Engagement and Collaboration:
Recognizing the importance of community involvement in maintaining security, Ugorji spearheaded various initiatives to strengthen ties between law enforcement agencies and local communities. Introducing what he referred to as soft power, the Commissioner was quoted in the media as saying 'the more we achieve with soft power, the less we would need hard power." Community policing programs, town hall meetings, and regular interactions created a collaborative environment where citizens actively contributed to maintaining peace and order.
Training and Capacity Building :
A human capital development expert himself, who has a doctorate degree in Education, Ugorji prioritized the training and professional development of security personnel associated with the ministry. He participated in the recruitment, screening, and training of over 1,200 Imo Security Organization officers, with Retired General Richard Duru as it's Commander. He also Inaugurated scores of Vigilante groups in what is known as Autonomous Communities in Imo State. Workshops, seminars, and skill enhancement programs were conducted to ensure that the security operatives had the skill sets to handle diverse and evolving security challenges.
Emergency Response and Disaster Management:
Ugorji oversaw the development of emergency response and disaster management plans. This proactive approach ensures that the state is well-prepared to handle unforeseen crises, providing swift and effective assistance to those in need.
Public Awareness Campaigns:
The new ministry initiated public awareness campaigns and advisories to educate the citizens about security measures and the importance of individual responsibility in maintaining a secure environment. These campaigns focus on issues such as crime prevention, reporting suspicious activities, and fostering a culture of vigilance, as well as the media's role in security consciousness.
Security in Schools and Places of Worship:
With a goal to prevent violent attacks and abductions in schools and places of worship, the Commissioner established statewide Security Committees for tertiary institutions, secondary and primary schools, and an interfaith security council to work with the governor and the ministry.
Cybersecurity Initiatives:
In recognition of the growing threat of cybercrime, Ugorji led efforts to strengthen the state's cybersecurity infrastructure. Collaborating with relevant agencies and experts, he developed a plan to protect critical digital assets and sensitive information, as well as regulate the use of Point of Sale (POS) services.
Success in Crime Reduction:
Through a strict adherence to Governor Uzodimma's security vision, a combination of strategic planning, collaboration with Federal security agencies, and effective implementation of security measures, Dr. Ugorji's tenure witnessed a notable reduction in crime rate across Imo State, especially during the holiday season of 2023, and into 2024.
The proactive, data-driven, and intelligence-guided approach to law enforcement has contributed significantly to the overall safety of the residents.
Conclusion:
Dr. Ugorji Okechukwu Ugorji's achievements as the pioneer Commissioner for the Ministry of Homeland Security and Vigilant Affairs in Imo State stand as a testament to his staunch loyalty to the political leadership of Governor Uzodimma. His accomplishments in the face of daunting challenges, is the manifestation of a profound commitment to creating a secure and resilient state. By embracing innovation, fostering collaborations, working with traditional rulers, and facilitating interoperability among agencies in the face of emerging challenges, he has not only enhanced the capabilities of the security apparatus but also instilled a sense of confidence and safety among the people of Imo State.
...Chinedu Nsofor is a seasoned technocrat, media practitioner, prolific writer/biographer and currently the Nigerian Programmes Director of Asia Pacific Sports International. He writes from Owerri. NNL.
