By Our Reporter
The Imo State Ministry of Homeland Security and Vigilante Affairs welcomes the ongoing study visitation by participants of the Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC) 18 from the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), Abuja. The tour, which commenced on Monday, April 28, 2025, is part of the academic and field-based requirements of the Institute, with the theme: “Non-State Actors in Security Management: Issues, Challenges and Prospects for Peace and Development.”
This high-level engagement is providing the participants with critical insights into the security architecture of Imo State, the roles of non-state actors, and the commendable progress recorded under the administration of His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma.
So far, the NISS delegation has paid courtesy visits to several strategic institutions and stakeholders, including His Royal Majesty, Eze Dr. E.C. Okeke (JP, CFR), Eze Udo II of Amaifeke Ancient Kingdom and Chairman, Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers; the Department of State Services (DSS); the Executive Chairmen of Okigwe and Orsu Local Government Areas respectively, among others.
During their visit to Okigwe Local Government Area on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, the NISS participants were received by the Executive Chairman, Lady Mrs. Nkechi Mbonu, who appreciated the Governor’s commitment to security. She noted that peace has significantly improved in Okigwe due to the proactive and collaborative security measures introduced by the Uzodimma administration.
In Orsu Local Government Area on same day, the Executive Chairman, Mr. Friday Ibekaeme, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the NISS delegation for their visit and used the opportunity to recount the devastation suffered by the people of Orsu as a result of insecurity. He emphasized that although Orsu was one of the hardest-hit areas, the Governor’s efforts have restored normalcy, rekindled hope, and paving the way for total recovery.
Receiving the delegation earlier on Monday, April 28, Eze Imo expressed joy over the visit and commended the Governor’s efforts in improving the security situation across the state. He noted that through effective collaboration between the government and security agencies, peace is steadily returning to previously volatile areas.
Representing the Governor, the Honourable Commissioner for Homeland Security and Vigilante Affairs, Hon. Modestus Abiazie Osakwe, described the visit as timely and relevant. He reiterated the government’s support for the initiative and emphasized that insecurity, though a global concern, is being actively tackled in Imo through strategic interventions, community-based security networks, and ongoing capacity-building of vigilante groups in partnership with federal agencies.
Team Leader of the NISS delegation, Dr. Oluwole Faluyi, appreciated the warm reception by the Imo State Government and praised the inclusive and proactive security approach being implemented. He assured the state of NISS’s continuous support in policy dialogue and security research.
Local government chairmen also shared their experiences and reaffirmed that notable improvements have been recorded in their areas thanks to the proactive steps taken by Governor Uzodimma’s administration. They appealed for sustained support and intervention in rebuilding destroyed infrastructure in communities once plagued by violence.
The Ministry emphasizes that the ongoing visit of EIMC 18 is not only a validation of the improved security climate in the state but also a reflection of the Governor’s visionary leadership in tackling insecurity while simultaneously advancing infrastructural development across Imo state.
The Ministry of Homeland Security and Vigilante Affairs remains committed to supporting the NISS delegation throughout the duration of their visit and to furthering initiatives that promote peace, security, and community development.
