By Segun Atanda/
As the festive season unfolds with its hallmark of joy and merriment, it also ushers in heightened risks of insecurity, making personal and community safety paramount.
Addressing this crucial concern, Brigadier General Alade Adedigba (rtd) presented a thought-provoking lecture, today, titled “Enhancing Community Security During the Festive Season: Strategies and Precautions” at the Ikeja Grammar School Old Students’ Association end-of-the-year meeting inside the school hall..
The Double-Edged Sword of Festivity
The retired Brigadier General emphasized that while the Yuletide season is a time of celebration, it is also a magnet for crimes such as theft, burglary, and social disorder due to increased movements and gatherings. “Security,” he stated, “is a universal entitlement and a core part of human existence.” However, the festivities can compromise this entitlement, putting individuals and communities at risk if proactive measures are not adopted.
Strategies for a Safer Community
General Adedigba outlined practical strategies to mitigate these risks, centering on community policing, personal vigilance, and collective action. His recommendations include:
- Neighborhood Watch Programs: Organized vigilance groups to monitor local activities and deter criminal elements.
- Controlled Social Media Usage: Avoid broadcasting travel plans or expensive purchases online, as these could attract unwanted attention.
- Cautious Movement: Stick to well-lit areas, avoid shortcuts, and inform trusted neighbors when traveling.
- Emergency Preparedness: Equip households with first-aid kits, emergency contacts, and basic disaster response plans.
Adedigba also underscored the importance of fostering trust between law enforcement and communities through regular engagement, transparency, and collaborative problem-solving.
Personal Safety Tips for the Season
For individuals, the Brigadier General advised maintaining situational awareness, safeguarding valuables, and practicing responsible alcohol consumption to avoid road mishaps. He also highlighted the need for safe food handling to prevent illnesses that could dampen the festive spirit.
The Call to Action
The lecture concluded with a rallying cry for communities to embrace security as a shared responsibility. “A secure environment begins with the collective efforts of its people,” Adedigba affirmed. He urged attendees to take ownership of their safety and work in harmony with authorities to create an atmosphere of peace and security.
A Season of Awareness
As the holiday season intensifies, Brigadier General Adedigba’s blueprint serves as a timely reminder that the joy of celebration should not overshadow the need for caution. By implementing these strategies, communities can ensure a safer, more secure festive season for all.
Participants at the event moderated by NewsmakersNG publisher, Dipo Kehinde, included a member of IGSOSA’s Board of Trustees, Mr. Abiodun Ibikunle; the former Port Manager of Lagos Port Complex, Mrs. Bolatito Funmilayo Olotu, Mrs Bolatito Jarikre, Mr. Israel Sowole, Mr. Diran Abatan, Alhaji Adeshina Adeyanju, Mrs. Bolanle Ayeni, Hassan Awofala, Ifeoluwa Ishola Peter, Mrs. Ibukunoluwa Etti, Odubella Michael, Elizabeth Fanegan, and a host of other eminent members of the Alumni Association.
Mr. Ibikunle commented Brig-Gen Adedigba on his humility, resourcefulness, and responsiveness. He noted that this lecture was the third time the General would be honouring the call of the Alumni Association at short notice.