PHOTOS: General Musa, Ndace, Others Receive Security Awards at SAEMA 2024
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has been distinguished as a “Bridge Builder” for his outstanding efforts in promoting interagency collaboration and fostering civil-military relations during the annual Security and Emergency Management Awards (SAEMA) held in Abuja.
SAEMA 2024 celebrated remarkable individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to security, crisis management, and emergency services across Nigeria. The event, hosted at the Defence Headquarters, featured General Musa as the keynote speaker, where he reaffirmed the military’s unwavering commitment to both democracy and security.
In his address, General Musa emphasized the critical importance of inter-agency cooperation and effective civil-military relations in addressing contemporary security threats and ensuring long-term national stability. He articulated the military’s pivotal role in safeguarding Nigeria’s future and reiterated their full support for government initiatives aimed at maintaining peace and security. The General noted that robust leadership coordination has markedly enhanced the nation’s preparedness to tackle complex security challenges.
Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, representing the Minister of Information and National Orientation, lauded the Armed Forces for their steadfast dedication to national security and their loyalty to democratic principles.
In his welcome address, Malam Yushau Shuaib, Chief Executive Officer of Image Merchants Promotion (IMPR), the event’s organizer, stated that SAEMA serves to recognize significant contributions to safety, security, and emergency management across Nigeria.
“Our award selection process is both rigorous and transparent,” Shuaib asserted. “A panel of security experts, industry professionals, and independent observers ensures that deserving individuals and organizations are honored for their remarkable achievements.”
He detailed the nomination process, which draws on recommendations from readers of PRNigeria and Emergency Digest, as well as input from current and retired personnel, security experts, and independent observers. Shuaib highlighted the thorough verification process in place to authenticate the accomplishments of shortlisted candidates, which reinforces the awards’ credibility.
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“This year’s winners have exemplified outstanding contributions to national security and stability,” Shuaib remarked. He shared the success story of last year’s recipient, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), which went on to win the SABRE Awards in Côte d’Ivoire and the Golden World Award in Belgrade this year.
The ceremony also recognized the Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Senator Shehu Buba, and the Director General of Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndache, receiving Excellence Awards for their leadership and vital roles in national development.
Individual award recipients included ACC Umar Abubakar from the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), honored as the Outstanding Crisis Communicator, and CIS Mohammed M. Adamu of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), recognized as the Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer.
Additionally, ACC Attah John Onoja of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) received the Outstanding Security Officer award, while Major General Waidi Shuaibu, Theatre Commander North-East, was named the Outstanding Military Officer of the Year. The Outstanding Defence Journalist award was given to Kingsley Omonobi of Vanguard Newspaper.
Several institutions also received accolades for their collective achievements. The Nigeria Police Force was recognized for its Crime Prevention efforts, while the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) was honored for its excellence in Public Information Management. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) garnered recognition for its work in Cybercrime Prevention, and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) was lauded for its Emergency Management initiatives.
Other notable winners included the Nigerian Navy for Community Service, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for Diligent Investigation, and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for its exemplary Civil-Military Relations. The Nigeria Customs Training College in Gwagwalada was named the Training Institute of the Year, while the Lawan Bukar Maigana group from Girl Child Concerns was honored as the Volunteer Group of the Year. Kings Guards Nigeria Limited was recognized as the top Private Security Company.
The SAEMA 2024 event highlighted the unwavering dedication and professionalism of individuals and institutions committed to enhancing safety, security, and effective emergency response throughout Nigeria.
