All over the globe, insecurity give rise to remarkable challenges to global stability, growth, prosperity and development, in which Nigeria is not spared.
In order to protect Nigeria’s sovereignty and & ensure the safety of its citizens, the Nigerian top – echelon and leadership must take drastic and decisive actions through the various security agencies to address the seemingly intractable critical issue.
With exactitude, Nigeria and by extension, part of her subnational states is faced with innumerable security challenges, stretching from banditry to terrorism and secessionist agitation.
Despite being culturally and naturally endowed with immense mineral and human resources, Nigeria unfortunately, grapples with insecurity, primarily due to ignorance, negligence and long years of systemic failure and disinvestment on both part of the citizens and the government.
As outlined in the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, the government bears the responsibility of defending the nation against internal and external aggressors.
However, to efficaciously tackle the menace of insecurity and its attendant unsavoury consequences, there must be a concerted efforts to prioritise indigenous education and uplift socio- cultural standards.
Asiwaju Prince Olatunji Olusoji is one indispensable household name who believes that investing in education that respects & celebrates Nigeria’s diverse and multi- faceted cultures while promoting critical thinking & civic responsibility, the Nigerian nation can transition from a state of insecurity to one of stability, growth, oneness and progress.
Fact be told, the insurgency of Boko Haram epitomises one of the major security challenges facing Nigeria and other subnational states.
These terrorists strongly oppose Western education, envisaging it as a symbol of corruption, cultural bastardisation and moral decadence in the society.
According to the leading light, an entrepreneur of immense reputation and philanthropist par excellence, Dr. Olusoji is positive that addressing the root & remote causes of this ideology requires multi – faceted strategies, including community – based information centres that facilitate timely intelligence gathering & dissemination.
Prince Olatunji doesn’t mince words in his fervent optimism that by empowering local communities with the necessary tools and resources to collaborate with security forces, it can only enhance the effectiveness of counter – terrorism activities.
The plague of kidnapping and abduction for ransom remains a pervasive threat to Nigeria’s security landscape.
To address this unfortunate situation, Prince Olusoji is also of the opinion that security agencies adopt a proactive approach, leveraging advanced intelligence gathering capabilities & strategic partnerships.
He figured that through enhanced collaboration with neighbouring countries and international partners is important for dismantling transnational criminal networks involved in kidnapping & other illicit activities.
To achieve this on a consistent basis, Dr. Olatunji stressed that investment in technology and infrastructure, coupled with adequate training and equipping of security operatives, is germane for improving operational effectiveness and responsiveness.
Furthermore, the crown Prince of Ayere Kingdom in his passionate drive is unwavering that in addendum to addressing immediate security concerns, Nigeria must prioritise long term solutions aimed at addressing the remote causes of insecurity.
This includes but not limited to – integrating security studies into the national educational curriculum, beginning from primary to higher citadel of learning.
The unassuming but highly industrious Asiwaju Olatunji is optimistic that if we instill a culture of security consciousness and civic responsibility among the youth, we can foster a generation of well- informed, intellectually-mobile and engaged citizens who actively contribute to national security efforts.
In conclusion, addressing the menace of insecurity in Nigeria requires a holistic & multi – faceted approach that encompasses effective governance, community – engagement, strategic communication and coordination among security agencies and long – term investment in education and socio- economic development.
If Nigeria and her citizenry embrace these principles and working collaboratively towards a shared vision of security and prosperity, Dr. Olusoji believes that Nigeria & some of her subnational states can overcome its security challenges & emerge as a beacon of stability, growth, unity, prosperity and progress in Africa.
– Tony Oloniruha, Public commentator and PR Expert, writes from Kabba, Kogi State.
