By Lois O. Adams & Chris Oboh
Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria, the largest gathering of Government and private security agencies, holds its 27th annual lecture and awards on Thursday, November 28, 2019 at the Banquet Hall of Lagos Sheraton Hotels, Ikeja, Lagos State.
CRAN was founded 27 years ago by Crime reporters, to ponder upon security issues in Nigeria, and to reward people for their worthy lifestyles and contributions to nipping the menace in the bud.
Following the prevalent and astronomical crime rate and wave in Nigeria, the 2019 edition was themed “Proliferation of Arms: A threat to Democracy” a topic carefully chosen because of what is considered to be great danger ahead, if the spate of arms proliferation in Nigeria is not halted and addressed headlong.
According to the President, Odita Sunday, FIMC, MNIPR “as concerned Nigerians, addressing the issue surrounding the theme in a gathering like this, would definitely aid in proffering solutions and sketching out a road map on how best the ugly development can be nipped in the bud.
The event played host to distinguished personalities from all walks of life and bestowed on deserving officers various categories of awards, for their immense contributions towards having a water-tight security and safe society.
The President further stated, “CRAN as a professional body is also here today to officially and publicly honour those, whose contributions to the uplift of fellow human beings, in one way or another have been spectacular and outstanding .
The association further recognised and honoured its new Patron, Col. Kingsley Umoh of the Nigerian Army, who has not only distinguished himself as a committed communicator in the military, but a promoter of military – civil relationship.
In his remarks, the Royal Father of the day HRM Oba Abdul -Rasheed Asewale Akanbi, the I, Oluwo of Iwo Land, Osun State, who stand firm on the advocacy against violent associations, expressed his support for death penalty for kidnappers, other crimes and criminals. He appreciated the role of security agencies in curbing crimes, and thanked those who were present at the epoch making event.
Other Guest speakers urged concerned authorities to focus on professional training of crime journalists, ignorance on the part of the public, honouring officers who can stop bullet meant for a civilian, creating more space for security issues in the society, embrace international and diplomatic collaborations, porous borders, fueling existing groups through inflow of arms, unlawful possession of small arms, purchase of Arms through night clubs, possession of arms by students and communities, sales of arms to criminals by security agencies, lack of sophisticated arms because of the fear of coups.
They also spoke on possible solutions to halt the proliferation of arms like, effective international collaborations with manufacturers of arms, good border control and many more, to have a safe nation and healthy Democracy.
The Special Guest of Honour, Inspector General of Police, was represented by the AIG Ahmed Iliyasu, AIG Zone 2 who also doubled as the Chief Host;
Other guests present were
Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Bone Chinye Efoziem, CEO Strict Guard Security; Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu; Guest Lecturer, Dennis Amachree, (Mon), FIS, Ex-DSA Chief; and representatives of the Honourable Minister of Police Affairs and Lagos State Government, amongst others.
In his speech, the Inspector General of Police through his representative averred that the role of the Nigerian Police Force in crime prevention, general handling and internal Security of Nigeria nation cannot be over- emphasized, he further exposed the primary duties of the force, danger and effects of proliferation of arms, launching of operation PUFF ADDER anti-crime machine, etc.
Unveiling the EYE Magazine, published by the association therefore, the President, in his remarks, acknowledged the great support the association has received over the years from both Government and private security agencies, and individuals who have been very consistent in aiding and ensuring actualization of its dream of standing out among the numerous beat associations within the Nigeria Union of Journalism family.
Among the notable and conspicuous awardees from various security agencies who were decorated for their Landmark Achievements in various areas are the Anti-Human Trafficking boss, Dame Julie Okah-Donli-Donli and Air Peace Chief Executive Officer, Allen Onyema.
Highlight of the event was a lottery session where guests won items ranging from cooking gases, giant television sets and standing fans, as deserving journalists from across the nation who have proved their mettle in contributing tremendously in crime reportage were equally gifted with different prizes in recognition of their outstanding and selfless service to humanity.
Security is indeed key and takes a pivotal position in the Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs.
