The Institute of Criminal Justice and Criminology Administration (ICJCA) has said that attitudinal change amongst Nigerians, will help develop highly effective and responsible citizenry, adding that change can only evolve through people with the right mindset and education.
The institute stated that there is no doubt that the development of the country in all sectors has been badly hampered by unethical practices, unbridled corruption, greed, unpleasant lifestyle and other unprofessional conduct, which have smeared the country’s image both locally and internationally.
ICJCA President and Council Chairman, HRM, Oba (Dr) Gbadebo Bajowa, made this observation last Thursday at the maiden induction of new members, associates and fellows into the institute in Lagos.
Oba Bajowa in his address, read by Mr. Bamishaiye Samuel, said that the state of criminal justice and criminology administration in the country leaves much to be desired, and the institute is not happy about the development.
According to ICJCA President, in order to move the nation to the desired level, the institute is committed to working to correcting this anomaly, with recourse to her enabling Act which empowers her to regulate and control the practice of the profession in all its ramifications in the country.
“As an emerging institute which wants to make a forceful statement by making a real and visible difference, we intend to be in the forefront of reorientating Nigerians on attitudinal change in order to develop a highly effective and responsible citizenry.”
“Change can only evolve through people with the right mindset, education and proper orientation to redirect events that would re-shape the country. Therefore, there is need to
cultivate strong cultural and ethical orientation in the youths from the grassroots in order to find a sustainable solution to the problem of self-inflicted underdevelopment and backwardness in our national life.”
“It is important that emphasis is laid on honesty, good work ethics, respect for others, display of national consciousness, accountability, equity, fair play, good time management, good neighbourliness and above all, an egalitarian society. These virtues should form part of the national re-orientation taught at all levels”, the ICJCA President added.
Oba Bajowa congratulated the inductees and enjoined them to see it as a call to duty and responsibility, as a lot is expected from them, as certified criminal justice and criminology administration professionals, by the institute and the nation.
The Guest Speaker, Major Benjamin Eboh (rtd) said security is the bedrock upon which growth and development can be provided and achieved.
Eboh said no nation, organisation, public offices or groups can thrive in these precarious times without the adequate use of intelligence, investigation, surveillance and counter surveillance.
According to him, sabotage, espionage, terrorists and even Advance Fee Fraudsters have seen the less secured places as soft targets to carry out their nefarious activities, adding that many investors have left Nigeria’s shores due to the security problems and ailing economy.
He noted that there is a need to adopt strategic intelligence to gather information on these likely threats to all facilities.
A total of forty persons were inducted into ICJCA. Amongst them were the pioneer Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Abia State Commissioner of Police, Oyebade Adeleye Olusola and a Deputy Controller of Prison, Mr. Oduntan Seye Olukoya, who were all inducted as Fellows of the Institute.
In all, twenty-three persons were inducted as Fellows, Ten as Associates and Seven as members.
Source:
Thisday News
