OMATSEYE Nesiama, Head, Security Sub-Committee for the upcoming 21st Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Championships, says that no fewer than 10,000 security personnel will be deployed to the competition.

Nesiama, a retired Commodore, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that security during the event would be accorded topmost priority.

The competition which will have not less than 25 African countries in attendance is scheduled for Aug. 1 to Aug. 5 in Asaba, Delta State.

The former Technical Director of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) said the security personnel would be selected from the Police, Traffic Control Agencies and the Armed Forces.

“Over 10, 000 security personnel are to be deployed for the event. These will be drawn from the Nigeria Police, NSCDC, Armed Forces, Traffic control agencies, local vigilantes etc.

“Personnel will be deployed from Lagos, Abuja, Benin City, Enugu, Owerri and Port Harcourt. They are also expected to transit airports to receive international guests coming for the event.

“Preparations are on course to ensure provision of top-notch security that would leave a lasting impression in the minds of all,’’ he said.

He said that the indigenes would also be sensitised to ensure the competition was a success, adding that they had already pledged their support.

“We are involving everyone through sensitisation to create appreciable security domain awareness. The locals are already buying into it fully.

“This is attested to from the courtesy call and sensitisation visit to the Palace of the Asagba of Asaba, Chike Edozien on Tuesday.

“The Asagba and his cabinet members speaking through the Iyase of Asaba, Chief Patrick Onyeobi, expressed delight at the security sub-committee’s visit.

“Onyeobi said it was the first formal visit of any kind to inform them of the event and therefore, commended the committee for taking a good step in the right direction.

“They promised their full co-operation and readiness to support every aspect of the committee’s work to succeed. They also believed that the success of the event is heavily dependent on the security.

“They are hoping that the success will translate to the attraction of investors to Asaba after the event,’’ Nesiama said.

He added that vetting, documentation and training of selected persons would hold from June 9 to June 16

Nesiama, who also headed the 2013 African Youths Athletics Championships (AYAC) Security Sub-Committee, said training for volunteers, staffs of selected hotels, vendors and pool drivers would hold from July 4 to July 7.

He was also the Competition Director for the AYAC Championships which was adjudged to have set the standard for similar competitions in Africa. (NAN)

– Jun 6, 2018 @ 15:45 GMT |