The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ondo State Command, commemorated the 2026 International Civil Defence Day with an anniversary lecture and medical outreach, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to security and disaster mitigation.
The State Commandant, CC Oluyemi Ibiloye, JP, stated that civil defenders serve as the first line of defence against environmental risks, which he described as silent threats capable of destabilising society as rapidly as physical conflicts. He made this known during the annual lecture held at the Command’s headquarters in Akure.
Commandant Ibiloye called for a broader perspective on national security, urging stakeholders to treat ecological assets as critical national resources and to adopt proactive disaster mitigation strategies before risks escalate into humanitarian crises. He stressed the importance of preparedness and preventive action in building a resilient society.
He further charged officers and men of the Command to reflect the excellence demonstrated at the national level, noting that achieving a resilient and sustainable future requires intellectual discipline, synergy, and integrity. According to him, officers must see themselves not only as law enforcement personnel but as key contributors to national stability and environmental sustainability.
The event, themed “Managing Environmental Risk for a Resilient and Sustainable Future,” featured a medical outreach programme for personnel conducted by the Command’s medical team, as well as an environmental risk sensitisation campaign led by the Disaster Management Unit.