Yola: Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State has urged the 987 newly trained forest guards to uphold professionalism in their duties, cautioning them against intimidation and harassment while emphasizing their role as protectors of communities and the environment.
The Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Mr Hussaini Hammangabdo, disclosed this in a statement in Yola.
Hammangabdo stated that the governor gave the charge during the graduation of 987 trained forest guards held in Yola, where he was represented by the Deputy Governor, Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta.
The governor urged the forest guards to see themselves as privileged citizens called to serve their communities and the nation, and to discharge their duties with diligence, discipline, and professionalism.
He commended the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for coordinating and supervising the forest guard initiative.
Fintiri also appealed to the public to support and cooperate with the guards deployed to their various communities and assured the state government’s support for the initiative.
He added that “on my part, I wish to assure you of the continuous support of the Adamawa State Government for this initiative.
“May God increasingly grant us peace and security in Adamawa, Nigeria, and the world.”
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, represented by Col. E. Eswagu, said that the initiative was a fusion of environmental protection with national security objectives.
He said that safeguarding the forests was critical to reclaiming territories, protecting lives, and securing the future of the people.
The NSA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the initiative’s success.
He said, “I assure President Bola Tinubu of our absolute commitment to ensuring that this programme delivers measurable security, environmental, and socio-economic outcomes, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“I have ordered the immediate payment of salaries and allowances, and deployment of the graduating forest guards to guarantee operational readiness and boost their morale.”
He noted that the recruitment of guards followed a nationwide security emergency declared by President Tinubu, who directed the military and police to recruit additional personnel to strengthen security nationwide.