By Blessing Nneoma
The Catholic Bishop of Awka, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has endorsed a Security Summit, for Awka Diocesan Priests which took place at Archbishop A. K. Obiefuna Pastoral and Conference Centre, Okpuno, on 13th October, 2025 with a series of lectures.
Lectures were delivered by distinguished presenters, including CSP Charles Enekwe; Zonal Communication Officer, Zone 13, Ukpo, Mrs. Chinwoke Ibe; Medical Department, Federal Road Safety Corps, Awka; Rev. Fr. Dr. Cajetan Obiekezie and Rev. Fr. Clement Muozoba, who although unavoidably absent, contributed his lecture in soft copy .
The first presentation was delivered by Mr. Enekwe, who spoke on the topic, “Security Consciousness at a Time Like This in Nigeria”.
Mr. Enekwe emphasized that security consciousness among Nigerians was a growing concern due to the country’s pervasive insecurity challenges.
He urged individuals to be actively aware of their surroundings, recognize potential threats, and take precautionary measures to protect themselves and their communities.
He outlined key aspects of security consciousness to include staying informed and up to date with verified news sources, understanding potential threats and promptly reporting suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities such as the police or local security agencies.
He further advised against sharing sensitive information with unknown persons and warned against walking alone in isolated areas, especially at night.
Mr. Enekwe also highlighted various factors contributing to insecurity in the country, including corruption within security agencies and the rising cases of phantom kidnapping, a situation, he said, where kidnapping was orchestrated from within familiar environments rather than by external threats.
He cautioned the clergy to be mindful of the people they allowed around them and to remain vigilant even within parish premises, noting that some staff members could potentially be involved in insider-related security breaches.
Mr. Enekwe further stressed the importance of obeying one’s instincts, describing it as an innate ability that prompted individuals to act wisely in moments of uncertainty.
He advised the clergy to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, noting that divine direction often manifested through one’s instincts.
He also called for a ban on the use of firecrackers in churches due to the risk of accidents and possible panic.
Additionally, he said anyone caught engaging in criminal or disruptive activities within church premises should be handed over to the police and punished accordingly, to serve as a deterrent to others.
In conclusion, Enekwe emphasized that security consciousness required individual vigilance, community participation, and effective collaboration with law enforcement agencies to address the complex security challenges in Nigeria.
The second presentation was delivered by Mrs. Ibe who spoke on the topic, “Road Traffic Laws/Rules, and the Need to Obey Them”.
Mrs. Ibeh defined road traffic as the movement of vehicles and pedestrians along designated routes, guided by laws and regulations established and enforced by the government.
She described road traffic laws as official regulations designed to ensure the safety and orderliness of all road users and pedestrian.
She explained that those laws covered various aspects of road use and responsible behavior, including adherence to speed limits, proper use of seat belts and helmets, avoidance of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and obedience to traffic signals and signs.
Mrs. Ibe emphasized that compliance with traffic laws was crucial for maintaining a safe and organized road environment, preventing accidents, and promoting the overall well-being of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
Mrs. Ibe concluded her presentation by stressing the importance of obeying traffic laws, noting that adherence not only prevented accidents but also saved lives and fostered a safer and more respectful road environment.
She warned that violations of traffic regulations attracted penalties which served as deterrents to offenders and promoted safer driving practices among the public.
The next presentation was delivered by Rev. Fr. Obiekezie, who spoke on the topic, “Barbaric Tribal Society and Citizen Society”.
He explained that a barbaric society was one without laws, where individuals acted selfishly and prioritized personal interest over communal well-being.
He identified tribalism and discrimination as major challenges facing modern societies, emphasizing that true citizenship involved a sense of belonging, responsibility, and mutual respect among all members of the community.
Fr. Obiekezie urged Nigerians to learn how to manage conflict and avoid giving room to violence or division along tribal lines.
He called on everyone to uphold unity, fairness, and civic responsibility, reminding participants of the need to rise above prejudice and be good citizens.
In a written contribution, Rev. Fr. Clement Muozoba commended the efforts of the Anambra State Government and the security agencies in reducing crime across the state. He advocated for increased funding for security outfits to enhance the financial stability and morale of personnel, which would, in turn, improve their focus and productivity.
Following the presentations, an interactive session was held, during which participants asked questions and received insightful responses from the speakers.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Vicar General, Very Rev. Fr. Peter Akaenyi, who expressed gratitude to His Lordship, Most Rev. Ezeokafor, for endorsing and supporting the summit. He also appreciated the speakers for their impactful lectures and the clergy for their active participation.
In closing, the Vica General, Fr. Akaenyi, encouraged all participants to put the lessons learned into practice, emphasizing that being security conscious was not only a civic duty but also a moral responsibility toward ensuring peace and safety in society.
