Steering Committee Commends Lawyers Alert on Implementation of Public Safety Project in Benue

The Steering Committee of the People-Centered Public Safety (PCPS) project has commended Lawyers Alert for the progress recorded in the implementation of the initiative in Benue State.

The commendation was made during a meeting held at the organization’s headquarters in Makurdi, where members of the steering committee reviewed activities carried out so far and discussed the next phase of the project’s implementation.

The steering committee comprises representatives from the Community Policing Unit of the Nigeria Police Force, Homeland Security, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Benue State Commission for Peace and Reconciliation, and the Benue State Bureau for International Cooperation and Development.

In his opening remarks, the Director of the Headquarters Office of Lawyers Alert, Lazarus Mom, appreciated members of the steering committee for their contributions toward the success of the project. He particularly commended the Community Policing Unit of the Nigeria Police Force for its leadership role in driving the initiative.

He, however, expressed concern over the frequent replacement of representatives within the steering committee, noting that the development affects continuity and effective supervision of the project.

Providing an update on the implementation process, Solumtochukwu Ozubula disclosed that the People-Centered Public Safety project has been officially launched and adopted by the Benue State Government. She added that the project has also engaged traditional rulers in Agatu Local Government Area, collaborated with Community Policing Committees in Katsina-Ala and Guma Local Government Areas, and conducted a state-wide stakeholders’ reflection meeting.

According to her, the next phase of the project will focus on research activities, the inauguration of the Community Policing Committee in Agatu, engagement with local government chairpersons through the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), and the continuation of Community Policing Committee activities in Katsina-Ala and Guma.

In their remarks, members of the steering committee praised Lawyers Alert for consistently updating stakeholders on the progress of the project and noted that implementation has remained in line with the approved work plan.

To address the challenge of constant changes in representation, the committee advised that invitation letters should be addressed directly to designated members. The committee also agreed to establish a WhatsApp group to improve coordination and communication among members.