REPORT OF THE COURTESY/ADVOCACY VISIT ON THE CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF
GENERAL LEO IRABOR (NAM GSS psc ndc FCMP) AT THE DEFENSE HEADQUARTERS ABUJA ON 21ST APRIL 2021 AT 1200HOURS
Preamble
Following the current situation of the country which has witnessed challenges from every side ranging from, Pandemic to kidnapping, rape, human trafficking in persons, impersonation and cyber crime related challenges and many other social vices which scouts distances herself from,
it became expedient that The Scout Association of Nigeria ably led by the
Chief Commissioner Hon. Dave Padopads Awunah
who is the head of Leadership and Governance Department to take the bold step to pay a Courtesy/Advocacy visit on the Chief of Defense Staff, General Leo Irabor (NAM GSS psc ndc FCMP) at the Defense Headquarters Abuja in other to present pressing issues and the areas for which the Scout as a Non-Governmental Organization can play her role in the management and eradication of the aforementioned challenges facing us at this crucial moment.
It was a crucial meeting where the Chief Commissioner had to reiterate the contribution of one time Military Head of State in Nigeria who supported the Scouts with Camping gears like Camping tenths and other equipments during her 1st All Africa Scout Jamboree held in Jos, Plateau State Nigeria in 1977 and craved the indulgence of the Chief of Defense Staff to look into similar gestures as this will encourage young ones to join the movement and in other words get to make themselves useful to their community and the country at large,
It was also important for him to equally draw the attention of the Defense Chiefs on our different Scout Formations, Patterns of Dressing which may be similar to the Airforce and Navy but with clear distinction based on the insignias and the neckerchief that must be worn by every Scout in that Formation which in recent times has faced harassment from officers of this Formation of the Military whom in one way or the other have been seeing it as impersonation and of the uniform of the Airforce and Naval Formations.
It was important for the Chief Commissioner to address this issue by presenting it to the various chief to see a way of having official signals sent across to all Units to take note of the differences in our uniforms from that of the Nigeria Military Formations.
Arrival
The event which was graciously attended by an entourage of the Chief Commissioner of Scout Nigeria, Hon. Dave Padopads Awunah among whom are: Barr. C. J Ihemedu (International Commissioner) Justice Emmanuel Dodo Audu (Assistant Chief Commissioner, North-East) and Alhaji Aliyu Abdullahi the Former State Scout Commissioner, Kano State Scout Council,It was also worthy of note that the State Scout Commissioner, Benue State Scout Council Dr. Tarfa Pember was also in attendance.The FCT Scout Council ably led by the State Scout Commissioner, Mr. Garen B. Omonigho (JP) led a Team of Twenty Six Scouts neatly dressed on the approved colours of the Scout Uniform were all on ground at 1000hours to welcome the Chief Commissioner who was expected to meet the CDS at 1200hours.
The courtesy/advocacy visit which was made on the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) whom was ably represented by Rear Admiral F.F Ogu and flanked by Brig. Gen. Efe Edafiaghor of the Army was seated at 1200hours to give audience to the Chief Commissioner.Opening The occasion began with the National Anthem (First Stanza) and then followed by the Scout Promise which was led by The State Scout Commissioner (FCT) Mr. Garen B. Omonigho (JP).
Introduction By way of Formal introduction and noticeably among the Officers Present are:⚜️Hon. Dave Padopads Awunah Chief Commissioner of Scout, Nigeria
⚜️Justice Emmanuel Dodo Audu Assistant Chief Commissioner (North-East)⚜️Barr. C. J. Ihemedu International Commissioner⚜️Mr. Garen B. Omonigho (JP) (FCT State Scout Commissioner)⚜️Alhaji Aliyu Abdullahi (Former Kano State Scout Commissioner)⚜️Dr. Tarfa Pember (Benue State Scout Commissioner)⚜️Miss. Ademola Hauwa Taiwo (FCT Assistant State Scout Commissioner)⚜️Benson Mfonobong Benson Honourary State Secretary (FCT)⚜️Fatokun Taiwo Honourary State Treasurer (FCT)⚜️Barr Benjamin C. Ogbamgba SHQ Commissioner Legal (FCT)⚜️Emmanuel Matthew SHQ Commissioner Publicity (FCT)
And other FCT Scout Officers and scouts and a Cub were also present to grace this auspicious moment in the history of Nigeria Scouting.Highlight The Chief Commissioner began his speech after the general introduction where he clearly stated the position of The Scout Association of Nigeria as a member of the World Organization of Scout Movement (WOSM), a Non-Governmental Youth Educational Movement with a mantra to developing young people through a value system based on the Scout Laws and Promise; getting them active through series of events, mobilizing them for peace and positive community service where people are self-fulfilled.
He quickly reminded the Chief of Defense Staff that its evident and proven by figures that about 80 Million Nigerians have at one time or the other been members of the Scout Movement but currently, there are over 3 Million Members of the Scout Movement spread across the 36 States of the Federation Plus FCT.
The Chief Commissioner quickly intimated the CDS (ably represented) that the Scout Movement activities is backed by the UN Consultative Status of 1947 (Article 71 ECOSDC Resolution 1996/31 & 1998); AU Resolution CM/Res.1607 (LXII) and the Nigeria Boy Scout Act No. 21 of 27th July 1922 (No. 14 1937).
Proposed Activities The Chief Commissioner as regards Programmes of the NSO in his speech rolled out plans to unveil and officially launch the Lord Badden Powell Annual Lecture Series, the program which he said is scheduled to take place in Abuja at the last quarter of the year in month of June, 2021.
He clearly stated that the membership at this lecture is expected to be drawn from members of the 36 States Councils and FCT inclusively to be in attendance by delegation including Students of all Levels of education, Youth and women groups, internally displaced persons (IDP), Corporate Organizations, Faith based organizations, Federal Government MDAs, Legislature, Judiciary, Military, Para-Military Agencies, Diplomatic Communities etc.
Meanwhile the program is expected to feature: Road Show, Gala Night and investitures, Green Carpet, Networking, Small Groups Symposium, Exhibition of plays and other Entertainment shows; sale of Scouting Materials, Artworks, Charity, Visits to IDPs and Rehab homes around Abuja.
Due to the Covid-19 Realities, he stated that the program will be launched online in the month of June.Campaign against Terrorism and Insecurity
On this note, the Chief Commissioner further gave an insight as to the areas (but not limited) for which this campaign will cover in the face of our current state in our country Nigeria and this areas include:
Campaign against abusive use of, hosting and method of retiring the National Flag (in collaboration with National Orientation Agency (NOA))
Campaign against human trafficking in person, prostitution and Child Abuse
Implementation of SDGs
Citizens Tax Awareness Campaign
Internally Displaced People Support
Primary Health Care Support
Emergency/Disaster Management support
It was also necessary for that the Chief Commissioner intimate the CDS that there is a greater role to be plaid by the Nigeria Armed forces in seeing to the realization of this lofty goals being that the easy way to curbing the menace of terrorism is to educate, enlighten and equip the youths in the positive manner for which the Scouts globally continue to work on as messengers of peace through the SDGs and it likes.
The Chief Commissioner also spoke about the need for the Military to stretch forth helping hands in the are of camping gears and other relevant equipments which will help see through the planed programs as stated earlier and ensure full participation of the teaming Nigeria youths towards a strong, united and egalitarian society where Peace, Justice and Equity shall reign.He also digressed to speak on the use of Uniforms; The Chief Commissioner informed the CDS that the Scout has three Formations just like the Military which are: Air Scout, Sea Scout and Land Scout and are identified by their mode of dressing which is distinct from that of the Military bearing scout insignias, neckerchief and other distinct badges which has distinctions with that of the Military.He spoke extensively on how the issues of impersonation and improper dressing has also caused issues like harassment to some persons whom are not properly dressed and as such, the visit was also to set the records straight on the difference in our formations, uniforms and insignias which are identified world wide and not just in Nigeria alone.
ContributionAs part of contributions to the Chief Commissioners Speech, the International Commissioner, Barr. C J Ihemedu reiterated to the CDS ably represented by Rear Admiral F.F Ogu on the necessity of looking inward into the preparedness and activities of the Scout which at their youthful age are very eager and ready to serve the country under any of the military formations owing toi the fact that some of the act of impersonation are driven by the interest of the boy to is anxious to join the Military and years for an opportunity to do so.He also pointed out that Scouts don’t tuck-in trousers into boots but its sometimes seen that the young ones are driven with the passion of always looking combat ready and eager to serve the Nation in any of the Military Formations.He therefore advised that the CDS look into the aspect of enlisting Scouts as a group to be considered during recruitments for enlisting as most of her boys who have joined the Military are still fighting gallantly and defending our Nation Nigeria.
ResponseThe representative of the Chief of Defense Staff Rear Admiral F.F Ogu in his response to the presentation of the Chief Commissioner commended the CC for such a brave and enthusiastic move towards curbing the social vices as stated in his speech as presented,He further acknowledged that he has always admired the role of the scouts in the community especially as regards their community development service which he has witnessed while growing up as child.The commended members of the Scout movement there present for coming out in such beautiful uniform and all looking vibrant and sound.He further assured that he shall pass the message to the Chief of Defense Staff on the pressing needs as stated in then presentation.He equally advised that TSAN should see a way to have audience with the other Service Chiefs (Army, Airforce and Navy) especially on the aspect of uniform clarification and other matters as stated which ought to be handled by the different formations for a cordial relationship between the Scout and the Military.Finally, he equally assured us of holding talks with the CDS to look into the possibility of always considering Scouts during enlistment into the Nigeria Armed Forces in a bid to encourage those aspiring to defense the Nation and her territorial boundaries as brave soldiers.He equally advised that this should appear in any of our visit to the other Service Chiefs as that will boast the morale of the boys and girls of the Movement.
On a final note, he appreciated TSAN for the honour before putting off his mic.
Vote of Thanks
On this note, the Assistant Chief Commissioner North-East Zone, His LordshipJustice Emmanuel Dodo Audu was granted the floor to give the vote of thanks on behalf of the TSAN, His Lordship appreciated the Chief of Defense Staff whom out of the short notice honoured our letter for a Courtesy/Advocacy Visit on him.He appreciated Rear Admiral F.F Ogu for giving us audience and also expressed the necessity for the young ones to be captured while they are young through their formative years in character and learning and also stressed the need the Defense Headquarters to look into the position paper which the Chief Commissioner is expected to revert in responses and stating in clear terms the areas the Military are required to play a role towards building a better Scouting climate for our teaming youths as he also expressed confidence in then Chief Commissioner to do that within the shortest possible time and revert as response to the Defense Headquarters.
Closing
We all rose to observe the National Prayer by reciting the second Stanza of the National Anthem then followed the Scout promise at 1400hours as group photograph followed immediately at the main entrance of the Defense Headquarters Abuja.Departure!
Scout wee so amazing