The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, has witnessed a smooth transition of leadership with the official handover to Commandant Augustine Padonu by the outgoing commandant, Michael Adaralewa, in a Change of Command ceremony.
The ceremony, held at the State Command Headquarters, Agodi, Ibadan, marking a new chapter for the corps in the state, commenced with a tour of all departments, units, and other facilities within the Command Headquarters, led by the outgoing commandant.
This was followed by a brief meeting with Heads of Departments, Heads of Units, Area Commanders, Sectional Heads, and Unit Commanders, where Commandant Adaralewa expressed confidence in Commandant Padonu’s ability to lead the Oyo State Command effectively.
He highlighted the array of formidable officers holding various positions within the Command and emphasised the boost in morale resulting from recent promotions under the leadership of the Commandant-General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, encouraging the management team to prioritise the interests of the Corps above their interests and extended a call for their support to the incoming Commandant.
Adaralewa, who is to continue his service by taking on the leadership of the Osun State Command, later formally presented the handover note to Commandant Padonu, symbolising the transfer of responsibilities.
Reacting, Commandant Padonu, after accepting the handover note and mantle of leadership, acknowledged the legacy of his predecessor and underscored his dedication to building upon the established foundation.
Emphasising the importance of teamwork and collaboration, he pledged to work hand-in-hand with all personnel to further enhance the Command’s efficiency and effectiveness in safeguarding the lives and property of the people of Oyo State.
Commandant Adaralewa thereafter inspected the Guard of Honour for the last time in Oyo State Command, followed by the symbolic passing of the NSCDC flag to Commandant Padonu.
The new Commandant then assumed the role of inspecting the Guard of Honour after the exit of the outgone Commandant, marking his official commencement of command.
A statement by the Command’s Spokesperson, DSC Samuel Opebiyi, says Commandant Padonu, a native of Badagry in Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos State, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role.
Giving the profile of the new helmsman, the PRO said: “Having risen through the ranks since his enlistment in 2005, he (Commandant Padonu) boasts of a distinguished career marked by leadership positions across various departments and divisions within the NSCDC. His proven track record and commitment to security operations bode well for the future of the Oyo State Command.
“He holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) in Marketing from the Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, in 2004 and a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Accounting from the University of Jos in 1996.”
Opebiyi revealed that Padonu had served in various capacities within the NSCDC, including Head of Department (HOD) for Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI), Lagos State Command, and HOD for Intelligence and Investigation, Osun State Command.
He said Pandonu had held several positions as Area Commander and Divisional Officer in various formations across the country, including the FCT Command, Lagos State Command and Kaduna State Command and is known for his strong leadership skills, strategic planning abilities and commitment to excellence.
The statement says Padonu boasts of certifications in areas like Inter-agency Cooperation and Conflict Resolution, Small Arms Training, Leadership Development and Enforcement and Monitoring Courses, demonstrating his commitment to continuous learning and adaptability.
The PRO noted that the comprehensive training had equipped Padonu with the necessary expertise to navigate complex security challenges and collaborate effectively within a dynamic field, affirming that the NSCDC, Oyo State Command looks forward to working under his leadership and is confident that he would lead the Command to even greater heights.
“With a skilled and motivated leader at the helm and a dedicated team committed to excellence, the Command is poised to achieve even greater heights in upholding its crucial role of protecting the lives and property of the people of Oyo State,” the statement concludes.
Dominica Nwabufo
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