The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has urged its officers and senior management in Enugu State to strengthen their resolve and adopt innovative strategies in tackling rising security challenges across the state.
This call was made by the State Commandant, Dr Elijah Willie, during the 2025 Annual Management Staff Retreat held in Enugu.
The two-day retreat with the theme “Developing Leadership For a New Paradigm,” gathered top officers for capacity building and strategic reflection.
Dr Willie highlighted the urgent need for leadership that embodies perseverance and accountability across all units and departments.
He stressed the importance of consistent oversight and discipline among the ranks.
“You must be disciplined as well as up and doing so that everyone under you will behave themselves and also learn from your exceptional qualities, patriotism and mentorship,” he said.
He further emphasized the need for creativity in leadership, noting that officers must often carry out duties with limited resources.
“Being resourceful is a modern demand,” Willie remarked.
“Being resourceful means that you must be proactive or think outside the box to get fresh ideas and make use of environmental and human resources in your area of operations to see that duties/tasks are carried out precisely.”
Also speaking at the retreat, Enugu State FRSC Sector Commander, Franklin Agbakoba, encouraged NSCDC personnel to perform their duties with professionalism, adding that leadership by example is essential in keeping morale high.
Agbakoba said officers must embrace mentorship, maintaining a positive attitude and energy that motivates those under their command.
Deputy Corps Commandant, Tsaro George, who oversees the NSCDC’s Pension Unit, noted that the retreat’s various sessions would equip senior officers with tools to better relate with subordinates and improve on-the-job performance.
In the same vein, Assistant Corps Commandant John Okorie, head of the Safe School Department, emphasized the centrality of ongoing capacity development.
“Training and retraining remain the major pillar of success of any proactive leadership,” he said, adding that the retreat would guide leaders in properly prioritizing and executing their duties.
Delivering a keynote address, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Enugu State, Dr Kingsley Udeh, represented by the Director of Civil Litigation, Dr Uzoamaka Okeji, reflected on the evolving demands of modern leadership.
“The traditional models of leadership that once guided our force, while noble, are no longer sufficient on their own. Today’s threats are complex,” Udeh warned.
“From cyberattacks to climate-driven emergencies, from misinformation warfare to civil unrest.”
“We must prepare not just to respond but to anticipate. Not only to command, but to connect.”
He stressed the need for a new generation of leaders: “This new paradigm demands a new kind of leader, one who is adaptable, emotionally intelligent, ethically grounded and technologically literate.”
“Leaders who can operate not just in front lines but in boardrooms, data centres and community forums. Leaders who can inspire trust in uncertain times and build resilience in the face of disruption,” he added.
Udeh concluded by affirming that the retreat would equip officers with the vision and tools necessary to lead effectively in an unpredictable world.
“Let us challenge our assumptions, engage boldly and embrace the responsibility of shaping the future of security and service in our nation,” he said.
