The State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Enugu State Command, Commandant Elijah Etim Willie, PhD, recently convened a two-day Management Retreat for senior cadre officers of the Command. The strategic retreat took place from 8th to 9th May 2025 at the Jubilee Hall, Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu.

The event brought together key management staff of the Command, including the Second-in-Command (2i/c), Heads of Departments (Administration, Operations, Training, Technical, Finance, Anti-Vandal, Safe Schools, Medical, and Critical National Assets & Infrastructure Protection etc.), Area Commanders from the seven Area Commands, and Divisional Officers from the 37 Divisions across the State.

The opening ceremony was held in a colourful and dignified atmosphere, graced by special guests and dignitaries, including representatives of the Enugu State Attorney General and sister security agencies such as the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigeria Customs Service, and Nigeria Immigration Service.

In his welcome address, the State Commandant encouraged participants to leverage the retreat as a platform for self-assessment, ethical review, and capacity development. He emphasized the importance of professionalism, discipline, and innovation in repositioning the Corps for excellence.

A key highlight of the Commandant’s address was the unveiling of a revolutionary initiative—the Civil Defence Community Partnership Network (CDCP Network). This forward-thinking idea aims to engage and collaborate with distinguished personalities within the community to support and amplify the efforts of the NSCDC in Enugu State. Through this network, the Corps intends to deepen community involvement in security, public education, and emergency response.

Following the opening, technical sessions commenced with the formation of 10 syndicate groups to facilitate in-depth discussions on critical topics such as:

Handling Workplace Conflicts

Managing Personal Health as Leaders

Responsibilities of Management Staff

Building a Community of Disciplined Personnel

Awakening Security Consciousness in the South East

Enhancing the Public Image of the Corps

Resource persons who facilitated the sessions included:

Commandant Elijah Etim Willie, PhD – NSCDC Enugu State Command

Rev. Dr. Prince Abah – Internationally renowned author and motivational speaker (Topic: Management and Integrity)

Barr. Venatus Odo – Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Enugu Branch

Commander Aisha Abubakar – Zonal Director, EFCC

Representatives of the Nigerian Red Cross Society – Presented on First Aid Procedures

Chief Mathew OBODIECHI, fsi A Retired DSS Director and fellow of the National institute of Security Studies Abuja – Shared insights on the dynamics of intelligence gathering in crime fighting.

DCC Olariche Jonathan, 2i/c of the State Command who gave motivational talk

The retreat was intellectually enriching and solution-oriented, offering officers the platform to engage in critical discourse, share field experiences, and develop strategic approaches to improve performance and leadership capacity.

At the conclusion of the retreat, certificates of participation were presented to all attendees, followed by group photographs to capture the spirit of teamwork and renewed commitment.

In his closing remarks, the State Commandant expressed profound gratitude to the Executive Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Barr. Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for his continued support to the Corps, and to the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, for his visionary leadership and commitment to professional development across the Corps.

The Enugu State Command remains deeply appreciative of this impactful initiative and looks forward to institutionalizing the Management Retreat as an annual flagship programme for capacity building and organisational excellence.