Community
By Emmanuel Afonne
The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Kayode Egbetokun, has highlighted the importance of traditional rulers in safeguarding communities in the country.
Egbetokun who was represented by Mr Victor Olaiya, the Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) of Police, in charge of Zone 7, said this at the opening of a three-day security training for community leaders on Tuesday in Abuja.
The training was organised specially for traditional rulers, local government administrators, and critical grassroots security stakeholders to strategise on the best way to tackle insecurity in local communities.
It was organised by the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in collaboration with the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence as well as the Royal Gate International Institute for Security Studies and Leadership Advancement.
Egbetokun said the traditional institution must be seriously engaged to be able to confront the insecurity challenges militating against many communities in the country.
“Security cannot be compromised; security and economic development are like Siamese twins, they go together.
“Without security there cannot be development. This laudable commitment reflects the commitment of all stakeholders in enhancing community safety and deepening collaboration at grassroots level.
“The Nigeria Police believe that security is a collective responsibility and the active engagement of traditional institutions, local authorities and community stakeholders is vital in achieving sustainable peace and security across the country.
“Police will continue to support initiatives that promote security and strengthen trust between the police and the communities we serve,” Egbetokun said.
The Convener/Facilitator of the training, Prince Celestine Ekwe, said traditional institutions were targeted because of the important role traditional rulers and local government chairmen play in their localities.
“There is no day you will not hear about killings in the country and we should ask ourselves, for how long will this continue.
“The fact remains that if we fail to do something to stop these killings it will continue to go on, and nobody knows who will be the next.
“It is on this note that we should seek a lasting solution to this menace, and this training is aimed at proffering solutions to insecurity in our communities,” Ekwe said.

The Senate President, Mr Godswill Akpabio, who was represented by Sen. Muntari Dandutse, said that the National Assembly recognised the important role of the traditional rulers, local government chairmen, and community stakeholders, in maintaining peace and security in various communities.
“Your efforts are crucial in promoting stability and fostering safety among citizens. This training is supposed to enhance security and equip local authorities with skills to address security challenges.
“This is also expected to promote unity among security stakeholders and fashion strategy on the best way to respond and tackle insecurity in the country,” Akpabio said.
He said the Senate would support effective budgeting to improve security in the country.
The Vice Chancellor of NOUN, Prof. Olufemi Peters, said the tripartite engagement was necessary for the development and security of the nation.
Peters who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, NOUN, Prof. Isaac Butswat, said the institution was involved in the training because security had become everybody’s business.

Earlier, Malam Isa Yuguda, the Pro Chancellor of NOUN, and former Governor of Bauchi State, who delivered the keynote address, said it was high time the insecurity bedevilling the country was nipped in the bud.
Yuguda said the traditional rulers and local government chairmen can bring lasting solutions to the insecurity challenges in various communities if they synergise. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma