The Honourable Commissioner of Public Security and Safety, Edo State, Rt Hon Festus Odianose Ebea JP, recently played host to Prof. Edeaghe Ehikhamenor, founder and national coordinator of Save Accident Victims Association of Nigeria (SAVAN), at his office in Benin City. This visit underscores the ministry’s commitment to enhancing public security and safety in Edo State.
Prof. Ehikhamenor, a professor of pharmacology and toxicology at the University of Benin, congratulated Commissioner Ebea on his appointment by Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo, acknowledging his wealth of experience in public service. He shared his positive experience with the ministry’s staff during their recent training and expressed appreciation to the governor and God Almighty for having Commissioner Ebea at the helm.
Prof. Edeaghe Ehikhamenor made some critical suggestions which included;
– Compulsory pre-employment, pre-admission, and random drug and alcohol testing.
– Public stigmatization of kidnappers and cultists
– Profiling, monitoring, and registration of influxes of people into the state
Commissioner Ebea appreciated Prof. Ehikhamenor’s suggestions and outlined the government’s and ministry’s blueprint on public security and safety. He emphasized that Edo State will not tolerate individuals with criminal tendencies and highlighted plans to train ministry staff on public safety and security.
Commissioner Ebea hinted at some of the Initiatives by the Ministry to include;
– Organizing a stakeholders and security summit to address insecurity and public safety concerns
– Encouraging the installation of smoke detectors in both residential and commercial buildings, and fire hydrants in public and business premises.
– Partnering with security and safety experts to implement suggestions raised.
– Acquiring an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and drug and alcohol testing device.
– Developing Edo State software for critical emergency response.
– Reinventing, restructuring, and revamping the Edo State Command and Control Center C3.
– Organizing multi-sectoral pre-hospital care training among others.
These initiatives demonstrate the Edo State Government’s commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment for its citizens.
