The Chief of Police, Ottawa Police Service in Canada, Mr. Eric Stubbs, has emphasized the need for a Police service that is more inclusive, ethnically diverse, and a proactive government institution which goal is providing safety and security to the diverse communities within his jurisdiction, especially the Nigerian community.
Mr. Stubbs as the keynote speaker at the Long Island Deck (Ottawa, Canada) of the National Association of Seadogs (NAS) annual Feast of Barracuda, held at the Hampton Inn and Suites, Ottawa West, gave a lecture on “Police and Community Collaboration: Advancing Public Safety in Black Communities.”
Also speaking at the event, the Capoon of the Deck explained the concept of the Feast of Barracuda, tracing its historical origins to the conquests of ancient seafarers who subdued aquatic predators, and linking it to the confraternity’s sworn resolve to combat the myriad ills that continue to plague humanity.
The NAS Scribe, Mr. Amoni Orupabo, who represented the NAS Capoon, Dr. Joseph Avuwa Oteri, and the Area Mate of NAS Area 04, Mr. Francis Anyimigbo, were also in attendance.
Mr. Stubbs was later presented with a plaque in appreciation of his contribution and with assurances from the NAS Capoon for future engagements and collaboration between the confraternity and the Ottawa Police Service.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Anyimigbo thanked the Police Chief for taking time out of his busy schedule to honour the invitation from the Long Island Deck, and for delivering a very important presentation on a topical issue. He also commended the leadership of the Deck for initiating this engagement with the police and uniting members of the Nigerian community in such a laudable community initiative.
He further encouraged the Deck’s leadership to sustain this relationship to ensure continued collaboration between the police and the community.
In his thank-you remarks, the Capoon of the Long Island Deck, Mr. Dabere Collins Amaechi, expressed gratitude to the NAS Scribe and the Area Mate for their presence and support. He also thanked Police Chief Eric Stubbs for recognizing the value of partnering with the Deck to foster a safe and secure community, and appreciated all Seadogs present for their active role in making the event a success.
Other police officers at the event included Mr. Abid-Jan (Director, Community Safety and Well-Being) and Mr. Floyd Hutchinson (Community Safety and Recruitment), both from the Neighbourhood Policing Directorate of the Ottawa Police Service. Mrs. Dianne Stubbs, wife of the keynote speaker, was also in attendance.
There were also representatives from other not-for-profit organizations in Canada, including:
– Canada Hope Transformation Initiative – Mr. Emmanuel Tobi (Founder)
– Immigrant At Large Canada – Mrs. Elizabeth Dami (Founder)
– The Becoming Space Initiative – Mss. Chiaka Amaechi (Founder)
– Emerging Lives Initiative – Mrs. Ifeoma Okonji (Founder)
