By Aisha Audu
The Graphic Newspaper, has sought for stronger collaboration between the media and Kogi State Security Trust Fund (KSSTF), saying both institutions play key roles in maintaining peace, security and development.
Mr. Itopa made the call when he led the management team of The Graphic Newspaper on a courtesy visit to Kogi State Security Trust Fund in Lokoja.
He said security trust fund was responsible for protecting lives, property as well as boosting the fight against insecurity through it’s initiatives, while the media serves as the watchdog of society and a bridge between government and citizens.
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The MD called for stronger collaboration between both institutions as part of efforts to address the growing security challenges across the country while emphasising the newspaper’s readings to partner for effectively dissemination of the fund’s policies, activities, and achievements to the public.
Speaking further, the MD said the mandate of The Graphic goes beyond reporting government programmes, assuring that the newspaper was also committed to covering activities at the community level to ensure that the people are properly informed.
Mr. Itopa used the forum to appreciate the Executive Chairman of the State Security Trust Fund, A.V.M. Umar Farouk (Rtd), for his outstanding contributions toward securing lives and property across the state.
He noted that the Trust Fund’s support extends beyond security agencies to include the provision of critical logistics that strengthen security operations.
“It is our responsibility to encourage those who are performing well and to thank them for their performance. The Executive Chairman, is doing well in the area of securing lives and properties in the state,” he added.
He further explained that for journalists to report effectively, there was need to familiarize and partner with government agencies.
Itopa equally applauded the Chairman for his consistent support to the media and journalists in the state, and urged him to maximize the use of The Graphic Newspaper as a veritable platform for public communication.
In his response, the Executive Chairman, Kogi State Security Trust Fund, A.V.M. Umar Farouk (Rtd), welcomed The Graphic team, describing the visit as timely.
He acknowledged the contributions and support of the newspaper towards enhancing activities of the organization stressing that the newspaper serves as the mouthpiece and image-making vehicle of the Trust Fund.
According to A.V.M. Farouk, the trust fund remains committed to it’s mandate of supporting security operations through the refurbishment of operational vehicles, provision of motorcycles and helmets for local vigilantes, fueling of patrol vehicles, and supply of other security materials to agencies in the state.
He also appreciated Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for creating an enabling environment for the organization to operate as well as supporting it in it’s drive to deliver on its mandate.
The KSSTF boss concluded by expressing optimism and readiness for sustained collaboration with The Graphic Newspaper, noting that such partnership would help project the activities of the Trust Fund and keep citizens better informed about security efforts in Kogi State.
