Scouts seek govt support to kit volunteers
By Motolani AbdulGafar
The Scout Association of Nigeria, Ejigbo branch is asking the state and local governments for support to kit volunteers and process their membership.
They made the appeal through the District Scout Commissioner, Scouter Peters Bamidele who said many youths who are ready to join the association need the government’s support to secure the membership form and uniforms.
He noted that many less privileged students in both public and private schools have withdrawn from the association because they lacked the wherewithal to purchase scout uniform.
Bamidele, who made the appeal while chatting with ECHONEWS on community security said the aid will enable the scouts to support the current efforts to secure the country.
His words: “Scouting is an international movement which its basic priority is to catch those young boys and train them on self- defense and other necessities which will redefine them to be able to protect themselves and other people at the point of danger. We’ve had cases of members’ withdrawal because they don’t have the money to buy uniform but all thanks to the former Governor, Babatunde Fashola, who distributed free uniforms of scout, Red Cross, and other paramilitary groups. As a result of his gesture, we had a greater number of members during his tenure. We are also appealing to this current administration to do something to assist us.”
He disclosed that the association, being a spy group, has over the years assisted police officers and other related forces on security within Ejigbo.
“Although most parents really don’t know our duties, as a spy group we get permit before taking laws into our hands and temporarily resolve an issue before notifying the police while we ensure the safety of both the victim(s) and ourselves in every operation.
“We don’t use rivalry as we are just a paramilitary group. We go to both public and private schools to establish ourselves in their school where those kids gain interest in scout and even prevent cultists from eyeing them to join their group because they know they have the backing of a powerful body.”
He also advised parents and guardians to encourage their kids to join scouts as he noted that some parents who discourage their kids from joining the group mislead them to join bad gangs adding that they eventually joined the bad groups.
