The Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr.
Law Mefor, has called on non-indigenes residing in the state to assist in the
fight against insecurity by identifying and flushing out criminal elements
within their communities.
Dr. Mefor made the appeal while receiving members of
the Association of Non-Indigenes Welfare in Anambra State, who paid him a
courtesy visit in Awka.
He acknowledged the positive contributions of
non-indigenes to the state’s development, noting their involvement in sectors
such as security, employment, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and youth
empowerment—areas where they have also benefited from Governor Chukwuma
Soludo’s inclusive policies.
However, he expressed concern over rising security
challenges and noted that data showed a significant number of those apprehended
for criminal activities in the state were non-indigenes.
“The issue of security is very important. Put it on
your agenda. Data shows that the majority of criminals we apprehended are
non-indigenes. They are tarnishing the reputation of those of you who are doing
legitimate businesses,” Mefor said.
He urged the association to support the governor’s
security initiatives and work collaboratively to ensure that the few miscreants
among them either reform or leave the state.
Mefor further highlighted state-led empowerment
programmes such as 1Youth 2Skills and the Solution Innovation District (SID),
noting that over 30,000 youths have been trained and empowered.
“Anyone willing to engage in meaningful ventures is
welcome. I can personally assist them through SID. Criminality is not the way
forward,” he said.
He also expressed the ministry’s willingness to
collaborate with the association in promoting the achievements of the state
government.
Responding, Chief Ikechukwu Ugwuoke, President General
of the association, and Igwe Amos Nkwuda, traditional leader of Non-Indigenes
in the state, commended Governor Soludo’s visionary leadership and pledged
their continued support, including backing his re-election bid.