Owerri Catholic Archdiocese launches security outfit

The Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province has launched a security outfit to help in fighting insecurity within the church premises.

During the official unveiling of the outfit, which took place at the Obiri Odenigbo Pavilion at Maria Assumpta Owerri, the Catholic Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, said that the establishment of the security outfit was a response to the security situation in the state and the country.

He stated that it became necessary to support the government by complementing the efforts of security agencies in fighting insecurity.

He congratulated the newly trained cadets for their perseverance, commitment, and unwavering spirit, and charged them to always remember the values they were taught in the discharge of their duties.

He noted that their duty is not just securing a job, but a vocation to serve and protect with honor and compassion.

Archbishop Ugorji also commended Governor Uzodimma for his passion for the security of lives and properties in the state, and appealed to the state government to support the security outfit, especially in the areas of mobility, communication gadgets, and other logistics.

In his address, State Governor Hope Uzodinma, represented by the Secretary of the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, commended the Archbishop for establishing the security agency, stating that no meaningful development can take place in an insecure environment.

He recalled that one of the first major public procurements his administration made upon assuming office was the procurement of 100 patrol vehicles equipped with communication gadgets for security agencies to tackle insecurity and crimes in the state.

The governor also emphasised that his administration has never relented in its efforts to support and collaborate with security agencies in the state to ensure the safety of all.

He expressed joy and appreciation for the Archbishop and the entire faithful for not only praying for the government but also supporting the administration by establishing the Security Outfit to complement the efforts of the police and its sister agencies.

Uzodinma used the forum to urge other dioceses and religious bodies to emulate the Archbishop, emphasizing that security is everyone’s responsibility, not just the government’s alone.

“If all of us make time and invest resources in securing our families, we will collectively secure the state,” he said.

The Governor called on community leaders to provide useful information to security agencies regarding the activities of criminal elements in their respective domains.

He also charged the newly decorated cadets to be bold and of good behavior, assuring them of government support to encourage and sustain the outfit.

Contributing, the Chairman of the Occasion, Chief Jerry Chukwueke, who also applauded the Governor’s efforts to curb insecurity in the state, equally commended the Archbishop for establishing the security outfit to safeguard parishes, chaplaincies, special jurisdictions, and communities.

He advised the cadets to be good ambassadors of the Archdiocese, noting that the outfit has created additional job opportunities for youths.

Chief Chukwueke promised to provide technical assistance from time to time and also made a financial donation to encourage the Archdiocesan security outfit.

Also speaking, the Director of Owerri Archdiocesan Security Services, Rev. Fr. Brig Gen Charles Iroegbu, said that Owerri Archdiocesan Security Services is the first incorporated faith-based security outfit in the country. He commended the Archdiocese for the initiative.

The passing-out parade ceremony was witnessed by some top government officials, clergy, religious faithful and other dignitaries.