NOA sensitise Kaduna locals on security, economic importance of border closure
NOA sensitise Kaduna locals on security, economic importance of border closure
Insecurity
By Aisha Gambo
Kaduna Oct. 3, 2019 (NAN) The National Orientation Agency (NOA) on Thursday took its sensitisation campaign to Makarfi Local Government Area, Kaduna State sensitise Nigerians on government policies and activities, especially with regards to the closure of Nigeria’s borders.
Zubairu Galadima-Soba, NOA’s state director, said that the programme was aimed at ensuring that people at the grassroots understand the policies, programmes and activities of the government.
He noted that government was doing all things possible to ensure the safety and security of its citizens.
According to him, government had initiated the policy of partial closure of border to boost the economy and security in the country.
“When we import rice to Nigeria, we are empowering farmers outside to make money while impoverishing our farmers; it means we are taking jobs away from our people to outsiders,’’ he said.
Galadima-Soba lauded the closure of border stressing that firearms and light weapons were being smuggled from neighbouring countries to perpetrate crimes such as banditry and kidnapping in the country.
“There is also the movement of illegal migrants who often plan and execute kidnapping with the help of citizens who engage in crime,’’ he said.
He mentioned that part of the objectives of closing the border was to stop crime, as arrests of criminals who smuggle weapons into the country have been made.
Galadima-Soba added that banditry and kidnapping was being curtailed thereby allowing farmers to return to their farms.
He said so far, there has been massive cultivation of farm produce including rice due to enhanced security.
He called on traditional and religious leaders and other stakeholders to encourage their followers to support and take ownership of the policy so as to achieve success.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Chairman of Makarfi LGA Abdullahi Ahmad-Gazara, commended NOA for organising such event, saying it would go a long way in enlightening the people at the grassroots.
He said that the local government would give necessary support to ensure that government policies succeed.
“We have contributed a lot in the security of our local government by providing vehicles for security agents so as to ease their work.
“We also encourage members of our community to report any suspicious person to us or any of their village heads,’’ he said.
On his part, the District Head of Makarfi, Alhaji Adamu Abdulllahi, urged members of the community to always pray for leaders and be honest in their dealings.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that traditional leaders, religious leaders, women and youth groups were in attendance at the event. (NAN)
AMG/AIJ/MZA
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Edited by Abigael Joshua/Maharazu Ahmed