Gov Ododo makes history with pensionable appointments for vigilante members

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

Governor Usman Ododo’s administration in Kogi State in a bid to combat insecurity and reward dedication, has approved pensionable appointments for Vigilante Service members, marking a historic milestone in the state’s security architecture.

To this end, the administration has absorbed over 5,000 Vigilante Service personnel into the mainstream civil service sector.

Upon the approval, the Executive Chairman, Kogi state Civil Service Commission, Barr. Tanko Muhammed while addressing the new personnel at the Kogi State Civil Service Commission, congratulated them for their successful engagement and urged them to remain committed and dedicated to their duties, describing their new position in the society as very important.

The Chairman emphasised that their absorption into the Civil Service Sector has further subjected them to the public Service Rules, (PSR) Scheme of Service and Regulation with their names Gazetted which they must strictly adhere to.

He commended the Governor for his determination and commitment toward combating the scourge of insecurity in the state through the initiative.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Civil Service, Hon. Tade Adeyemi who congratulated the Vigilante group for their fortunes also applauded the Governor for wiping out the issues of casualization of Vigilante Services in Kogi State, noting that the initiative is first of its kind in the history of Nigeria.

He urged them to reciprocate the gesture by putting in their best towards eradicating insecurity in the State.

The Director General of Kogi state Vigilante Services, Alhaji Ibrahim Omeiza Sani, while addressing them, stressed the need for documentation on individual basis, emphasising that bringing together all the Vigilante groups across the State will give opportunity for a roll call, thereby eradicating ghost workers in the System.

The Director General who was represented by his Deputy, Mr. Ibrahim Taiwo gave an overview of Kogi State Vigilante Services (KSVS), recalling that KSVS was established based on the Kogi State House of Assemble Law of 2013, but only came into manifestation during the immediate past administration of former Governor in the year 2016 to 2023 with members drawn from different communities across the 21 local Government areas.

Given, 5,000 personnel have been absorbed into the Public Service Sector, from the Kogi State Vigilante Service this year.