Leeway to sustainable peace in Nigeria, by ISN

By Ade Ogidan

Worried by the lingering insecurity crisis ravaging the nation, the Institute of Security Nigeria (ISN) has called on the Federal Government to adopt a holistic approach, enamoured with purposefulness, sincerity and unalloyed support from all stakeholders, in ensuring speedy return of peace to the country.

Specifically, ISN canvassed mobilisation of security professionals to all parts of the country, with robust intelligence network, effective arsenal and all-inclusive cooperation with traditional rulers and community leaders, in mobilising the populace for effective confrontation with those undermining peaceful coexistence in the country.

ISN Deputy President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Adebayo Akinade explained that the nation’s economic development and growth could be arrested to the detriment of people’s welfare and wellbeing, if disruptions being orchestrated by terrorists and bandits are not promptly addressed.

Akinade, who spoke ahead of the 17th yearly conference of the Institute holding at University of Lagos on Saturday, said virtually all sectors of the economy have been assailed by the seemingly endless disruptive activities of terrorists and bandits, with concomitant arduous pangs on the populace.

“Agricultural activities have been impaired; industrialisation is being arrested with incessant harassment through kidnapping of operators and operatives; commercial operations are in jeopardy as transportation of persons and goods has become nightmarish; and local and foreign investors are being continually scared away with the unceasing violent attacks in various parts of the country.

“This situation cannot be sustained for too long if the government is to achieve its promises of good governance to the people.

“All hands must therefore be on deck to uproot this unsavoury saga threatening the progress of the country,” Akinade stressed.

According to him, “the nation needs to urgently develop a blueprint for improving the security and political architecture, to ensure attainment of peace in the country, on a sustainable basis.”

This, he said, can be further bolstered through effective training of all personnel in the security agencies and relevant sectors of the civil population.

“Consequently, at the ISN, we have, over the years, focused on ensuring best practices, professionalism and efficiency, through technological advancement to promote the fortunes of peace and tranquility in the country,” he added.

ISN’s conference, with the theme “advancing security education for stable political system, socio-economic development and mitigating terrorism in Nigeria,” is expected to attract top security personnel, political leaders, traditional rulers, and members of the academic community, including a Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai; Vice-chancellor of University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola; Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijebu Ode, Professor Rahaman Bello; Provost, ICPC Anti-Corruption Academy, Professor Olatunde Babawale; Olowu of Owu- Kuta and Vice-Chairman of Osun State Council of Obas, Oba (Dr.) Adekunle Makama Oyelude.

Ogidan, Media Practitioner, based in Lagos