The National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume and the minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike are expected to grace a national Security Conference in Abuja next Thursday.
The event which is being organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in partnership with the New National Star Newspaper with the Theme National Security and Development, will have as the Guest Speaker, former Inspector-General of Police and current Chairman of Police Service Commission (PSC)
Dr. Solomon Arase
He will speak on “Citizen Engagement in the fight against crime and criminalities in Nigeria.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday at the NUJ national headquarters in Abuja, the Managing Director Editor-in-Chief New National Star Newspapers, Obinna Nwachukwu said the conference is designed to address the growing insecurity in Nigeria.
“As you are aware, in more than a decade now, Security has become a major issue in Nigeria. No where is safe. Even Abuja and the FCT the nation’s capital is not safe like before.
“But one thing is clear, although insecurity is everywhere in the country, still, each region/zone has its own peculiar security issues.
“In the South-South it is crude oil theft, oil bunkering and sea pirates. In the South East is the menace of the now infamous “ unknown gun men”.
“In the North East is Boko Haram /terrorism, North West is illegal oil mining while North Central is Farmers/Herders crisis etc
“However, in all these zones, armed robbery, kidnapping and murder are common experiences .”
According to him, the conference is designed to bring all key stakeholders together to address the issues with a view to finding a lasting, workable solutions.
“It is part of our contributions to societal growth and development. It shall bring together, security stakeholders, professionals, political leaders, Civil society Organizations, journalists, community and religious leaders, citizens and residents in the country, with the aim of reaching out to each other to collectively addressing the growing insecurity in the country .
He said, Senator George Akume, has accepted to chair the conference while Mallam Nuhu Ribadu is the Special Guest of Honour
He listed Sub themes and Speakers to include finding Lasting solution to security Challenges in Nigeria the Role of Political, Religious and Community Leaders by H.E Ambassador Godknows .O. Igali, PhD, OON, Pro-Chancellor & Chairman Governing Council, FUTA
“Intelligence gathering and Information sharing as critical aspects of National Security by Chief Ray Nkemdirim, MFR, Former Director (Operations) DSS
“Combating Cyber security and Internet Fraud in Nigeria by Hon. Shade Adepeju Joseph, Cyber Security Consultant
“The role of the Media in the fight against insecurity in Nigeria by Dr. Iyobosa Uwujaren, General-Secretary, Nigerian Guild of Editors and Combating Crude oil theft in the Niger Delta: The Tantita experience by a representative of the company.
According to him, the conference will foster connection among citizens and critical stakeholders, security administrators and leaders.
“Through knowledge sharing and collaboration, ideas leading to strategic resolutions will be developed, with agreed mechanisms for implementation, towards safeguarding our environment and restoring security and safety in the nation. “By coming together, we will share insights on how we, as individuals, community and organizations should respond to incidents and the role and responsibilities we have to secure our communities.
The conference which take place at NAF conference center, Abuja by 9am Thursday next week is expected to have in attendance Heads of all security agencies, the National Security Adviser and other critical security stakeholders, heads of paramilitary agencies, representatives of local community policing groups, Area Council Chairmen in FCT, community leaders, heads of academic institutions, residential estate representatives, heads of identified professional groups and other strategic persons.
NUJ National President, Chris Isiguzor said the issue of security is everybody’s business so everybody must have to be involved in one way or the other. “When you talk about the media having responsibility the responsibility of informing, it imply means we must pass the right information. It is also our duty to educate, we must properly educate our people and when the tension is so high it is also our responsibility to also entertain to douse the tension.
“So you can see from any flank you are looking at it the media is a strategic stakeholder in building a clime that is safe, environment friendly for everybody to dwell in and for business to thrive.
“That is why we are not just sitting idle watching and do nothing. This time around the media, we are rising to the ocasion to at least congregate Nigerians.
“Let us come together to discuss this very important issue that is facing all of us, the issue of security and by the time we are done, whatever resolution, whatever is the communique that will come up from this we will also pass same to government whose responsibility it is to ensure that there is safety, there is peace, there is tranquility.”
