…Provost Calls for Urgent Environmental Risk Action
..As College Celebrates Tenure Extension of Ahmed Abubakar Audi
By Wale Ajayi, Abeokuta
The Provost of the Civil Defence College of Security Management, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, Assistant Commandant General Akintelure Niyi Olufisayo, has called on security managers across the country to take decisive action in addressing environmental risks in order to build resilience and guarantee a sustainable future.
He made the call during the commemoration of the 2026 World Civil Defence Day, organised by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), where he underscored the growing intersection between environmental challenges and national security.
In his address, Akintelure stressed that issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation have evolved beyond ecological concerns to become serious security threats.
According to him, climate-related disasters, pollution and resource depletion now exacerbate communal conflicts, trigger displacement of communities and place additional strain on already limited resources.
“These challenges are no longer distant environmental conversations; they directly impact peace, stability and national development,” he said.
The Provost noted that security institutions must begin to mainstream environmental risk management into their operational frameworks to effectively respond to emerging threats.
He outlined key strategies for mitigating environmental risks, including climate-smart planning, ecosystem conservation, sustainable resource management and disaster risk reduction initiatives.
Akintelure also highlighted the importance of investing in green infrastructure development as a proactive measure to reduce vulnerabilities and strengthen community resilience.
He urged security managers to champion environmental protection initiatives within their jurisdictions and work collaboratively with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organisations and local communities.
Emphasising innovation, he said adopting modern technologies and forward-thinking policies would enhance preparedness and response capabilities of the Corps.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the NSCDC to environmental sustainability, stating that proactive management of environmental risks would not only strengthen national security but also promote sustainable development.
The event also provided an opportunity to celebrate the extension of tenure and reappointment of the Corps Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi.
The Provost, management and staff of the Civil Defence College congratulated Prof. Audi on his reappointment, describing his leadership style as exemplary, visionary and people-centred.
They expressed confidence that the renewed mandate would usher in greater operational excellence and more impactful achievements for the Corps.
The College community further commended the Commandant General for strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing training standards and deepening professionalism within the NSCDC.
They noted that his leadership has positioned the Corps as a critical stakeholder in safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure.
The World Civil Defence Day celebration, observed globally to recognise the role of civil defence organisations in protecting lives and property, served as a platform to reaffirm the NSCDC’s dedication to its core mandate.
Participants at the event pledged continued commitment to advancing environmental risk management and reinforcing the Corps’ role in promoting safety, resilience and sustainable national development.
