It was a summit like no other yesterday, at the International Conference Centre, Abuja as The Sun newspapers’ National Security summit in liaison with the Nigeria Police, held in grand style.
By 8a.m., the Nigeria Police and other security agencies had cordoned off all link roads and streets to the venue of the event on Herbert Macaulay Way close to the Radio House, Central Area.
As the event became a gathering of all policymakers, leaders and experts in the nation, the former governor of Abia State and Publisher of The Sun Newspapers, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, expressed optimism that with such summit, Nigeria would soon overcome its insecurity problems.
As the security men screened citizens, especially vehicles, there were some hectic moments in movement, but they still ensured that activities did not grind to a halt.
Signs that the function was going to be a big bang, especially being the first major national convention on nation’s security since the heightened insecurity and terrorism in some parts of the country, activities started very early as the hall was already filled at about 8.30am.
At last, it turned out a major event that attracted the mighty and powerful in the nation. At the venue and the adjoining streets, uniformed security agencies formed a galaxy of colours and array of operation vehicles and equipment.
Police horses and the riders as well as police dogs constantly patrolled the nearby streets, just as police choppers hovered in the sky over the venue of the event.
Further in his address, Kalu challenged and tasked Nigerians, especially the leaders, political and traditional, to key into the project of re-inventing the security of the nation.
He thanked The Sun Publishing Limited for rating the security of the nation as paramount and organising in conjunction with the police, such novel summit aimed at securing the nation.
He stated in his speech: “The theme of this summit: ‘Community Partnership Approach to Internal Security and Crime Management’, is apt. It is very timely and pertinent, considering the fact that if all the participants present here today understand their roles and commit themselves to the resolutions reached; it could be the lasting solution we have long sought for, to one of the most urgent problems we are faced with as a country – insecurity.
“For the subject of insecurity and crime to be efficiently managed, it will require a concerted effort by all stakeholders.
“Recent research reveals that after corruption, the increasing rate of insecurity is the major factor that has impeded the influx of foreign direct investments (FDIs).
“Studies over time have shown that not even the allures of the benefits the average foreign investor stands to gain by investing in certain areas of the country, can make them dare to visit, let alone move their base to these regions.”
He finally challenged Nigerians that only a “participatory approach to policing of the Nigerian society will ensure ownership of the reform of the stakeholders, which in turn will make the programme sustainable.” (Daily Sun)