New Edo NSCDC Commandant Assumes Office, Urges Unity and Integrity Among Officers
The newly appointed Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Edo State, Mr. Saidi Akintayo, has officially assumed duty with a heartfelt call for unity, integrity, and renewed commitment among officers of the command.
Akintayo took over leadership following the passing of his predecessor, Commandant Gbenga Agun, who died on October 2 in Benin City.
In an emotional address during the handover ceremony on Friday, Akintayo paid tribute to Agun and another late senior officer, Commandant Stella Chukwujekwu, describing them as “brave souls who never returned to tell their stories.”
“It is with deep pain that I recall the recent passing of our beloved colleague and brother, Gbenga Agun. His death was a rude shock to every one of us — myself in particular. He was not only a committed officer of the Corps but also my bosom friend,” Akintayo said.
He revealed that his professional relationship with the late Agun spanned over 15 years, marked by trust, teamwork, and shared goals.
“We had plans to work on meaningful projects even after our active service. His sudden departure is a painful reminder of the brevity of life,” he added solemnly.
Reflecting on the passing of Commandant Chukwujekwu, Akintayo described her as a “resilient and determined woman who fought tirelessly to make her mark.”
> “Sadly, she was not granted the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of her labour. The cold hand of death took her just as she was preparing to embrace the peace of retirement,” he lamented.
After observing a minute of silence in honour of the departed officers, Akintayo urged NSCDC personnel to uphold the corps’ core values and work together to strengthen its operations.
“As we step into a new chapter together, I urge every one of us to foster a spirit of cooperation, unity, and purpose. Our success as a command lies not in individual effort but in our collective dedication to duty. Let us work with honesty, discipline, and integrity,” he said.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, the new commandant pledged to build on the achievements of his predecessors while fostering professionalism and teamwork.
“Though some of you may still see me as the same Saidi Akintayo you knew before, this new role comes with greater responsibility and expectations,” he noted.
Akintayo expressed appreciation to the NSCDC Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Audi, for the trust reposed in him, describing his appointment as a “divine elevation.”
“I want to express my profound gratitude to our visionary Commandant General, Prof. Audi, for the confidence reposed in me. May God continue to bless him with wisdom to lead this great Corps,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, the Acting State Commandant, DC Bamidele Orejimi, called on officers to extend their loyalty and cooperation to the new commandant, assuring Akintayo of his full support.
“The same unflinching support and loyalty you gave me while I acted should be accorded to the new commandant. Together, we can move the command forward,” Orejimi said.
