By Aloysius Umalo, Makurdi
A Nigerian Professor of Public Health, based in South Africa, Dominic Targema Abaver, has urged Nigerians in the diaspora to evolve measures to assist Nigerian Government in tackling security challenges in the country.
He expressed concerns about the increasing incidents of insecurity in Nigeria and the potential threats it poses to the country's stability, emphasizing that addressing insecurity requires a comprehensive approach, including active involvement from Nigerian citizens in the diaspora.
He made the call in Makurdi, the Capital of Benue State in North Central Nigeria during an International Conference on Homeland Security, organised by the Benue Public Service Institute (BPSI), while delivering a paper, entitled "Ensuring the Safety and Security of Our Nation: Collaboration, Innovation, and Preparedness",
The Walter Sisulu University lecturer maintained that the ongoing conflicts in some parts of the country not only endanger Nigerian citizens but also jeopardize the nation's overall security.
Dwelling on the security situation in Benue State, Professor Abaver emphasized that the conflict in Benue reflects broader challenges Nigeria faces in terms of national security, creating a cycle where development is stifled, and security operations take precedence.
"This has not only hampered human development and economic progress but has also diverted resources that could have been used for infrastructure, education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation towards combating insecurity".
He lamented that Benue which is known as the “Food Basket of the Nation” due to its significant agricultural production, has suffered severe disruptions in its economic productivity and food security as a result of persistent violence, including insurgency, ethnic clashes, and banditry.
The Professor of Public Health explained that the situation has pushed Benue State to the brink, creating a humanitarian crisis that threatens regional stability.
To address the challenges, the University don urged Nigerian Government to implemented various strategies to restore peace and secure its citizens, including deploying military and police forces, establishing security task forces, and engaging with Local Communities to strengthen security infrastructure.
"However, the complex nature of the conflicts, driven by economic hardships, political unrest, and religious and ethnic tensions, requires more comprehensive, long-term solutions".
He praised the establishment of the Benue Public Service Institute (BPSI) by the Government of Benue State, saying the initiative was highlighted as a positive step towards addressing security and developmental issues in the state.
"The BPSI aims not only to educate and train public servants but also to promote a broader dialogue on governance, peace, and security".
He posited that the International Conference on “Homeland Security” was emphasized as a crucial platform to bring together experts, policymakers, scholars, and practitioners to discuss innovative solutions to address security and development challenges in Benue State and Nigeria as a whole.
Professor Abaver stressed the importance of collaboration, innovation, and preparedness in addressing security threats, pointing out that by prioritizing collaboration and innovation, Benue State and Nigeria can work towards a secure, stable, and prosperous future.
He highlighted the need for cooperation between government agencies, civil society, Local Communities, and international partners to develop innovative solutions that address the root causes of insecurity, promote sustainable development, and build resilience in the face of ongoing challenges.
"Ultimately, collaboration is seen as a cornerstone of security and development efforts, underpinning successful national security strategies that involve synergy between federal, state, and local security agencies, partnerships with international organizations and experts, community involvement, and the integration of traditional and modern security practices".
Voice of Nigeria Correspondent, Aloysius Umalo reports that the three day conference with the theme: Ensuring Safety and Security of Benue State, Collaboration, Innovation and Preparedness attracted participants from within Nigeria and abroad.
