Imo State Governor Senator Hope Uzodinma has defended the use of digital technology for forest management in Nigeria, saying it would make it easier to fight the use of forests for criminal activities.
Uzodinma made this statement on Thursday at the inauguration of the Nigerian Forest and Hunter Security Service (NHFSS) Imo State Command which took place at the Youth Centre, Owerri.
Represented by the state Commissioner for the Digital Economy, Dr. Chimezie Amadi, Uzodinma said the easiest way to make the work of the forest security service easier and more effective is through what he called the Digital Forest, through the which modern technology is implemented.
According to him, it would also generate millions of jobs for the young people who enter the Service.
Therefore, he committed to partnering with NHFSS leadership in the area of training and other aspects for Service officers and men.
NHFSS Commanding General, Ambassador Dr. Osetimehim Joshua, speaking after inaugurating the Imo State Command, praised President Muhammadu Buhari for his efforts in combating terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of crime in the country.
He said that the NHFSS is prepared and ready to contribute to the fight against crime, especially illegal activities that take place from the forests.
He tasked the officers and men of the Imo State Command to stand ready to ensure an end to the use of forests and farms by gunmen and others to commit heinous crimes.
He warned against infighting in the Imo State command and claimed that Dr. Fabian Iwuoha is the true Commander of the state NHFSS.
The Commanding General urged the Governor to ask President Buhari to sign the NHFSS Bill as it would help equip the Service with the legal and operational tools necessary for effective service delivery.
“We are aware of the security challenges facing Imo State and the Governor’s efforts to address them with the goal of making the state safe to live and do business in.
“Let me assure Your Excellency that the Hunters and Forest Security Service would play the necessary roles to complement the Police and other Security agencies in the fight against insecurity and other crimes in Imo State, especially when Mr. President signs the bill,” he said.
He praised some state governors for adopting NHFSS in their states’ security system, training their staff and donating operational vehicles to improve their jobs and requested the same support from the Imo state governor.
Chief Metchie said NHFSS is also concerned about his Service’s crucial role in protecting the entire ecosystem, climate and wildlife.
“This is because the abuse of nature, especially the reduction of forests through illegal activities such as logging, has had a negative impact on the ecosystem, has seriously affected the global climate condition, which in turn is the main cause of ozone layer depletion with consequent global warming, floods, desertification, hurricanes and tsunamis, among others.
“Therefore, I believe that the Forest Security and Hunters Service, in collaboration with the Nigerian Police, NSCDC and other security agencies, would play an eminent role in protecting forests from abuse and encourage farmers to return to their farms and produce food. for our large population,” he added.
