The African Union Agenda 2063 Ambassadorial Assembly has underscored the need for collective approach in tackling insecurity in the continent.
Amb. Tunji Asaolu, Chairperson of the Governing Council of the Assembly, said this in his address at a one-day lecture and symposium, held on Sunday in Abuja
The Ambassadorial Assembly is an organisation focused on promoting Agenda 2063 goals, mobilising resources, advocating the effective implementation of policies and fostering partnerships for sustainable development.
The event with the theme: “Curbing Terrorism, Kidnapping and Banditry (CTKB) was organised by the Chartered Institute of Information and Strategy Management (CISM), Nigeria.
Asaolu, also Secretary-General, United World Congress of Diplomats said that insecurity had become global and not peculiar to Nigeria alone, as it cuts across continents.
According to him, we commend the security apparatus in Nigeria, especially the government for what they have been able to do in terms of efforts to beef up the security system in the country.
“At the same time, we cannot leave this alone for them to handle, we have to contribute our quota. So lets together form a synergy to see how we can find lasting solution to the issue of insecurity.
“We believe that without security, it will be very difficult to forge ahead in terms of national development, economics and world view.”
He also reiterated the need for adequate investment in security, adding that if the environment was not properly secured, farmers would be unable to go to their farms, just as other people would not be able to go about their normal businesses.
“In this era of yearning for a prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development, without adequate security, it will be difficult for us to achieve the desired goal.
“So we need to sit together to see how we can find solutions to security challenges bedeviling us. This is the reason for this conference today,” he said.
Similarly, the Registrar, CISM, Dr Adelanke Oyintoke, described the event as apt, considering present global security situation.
According to him, there is the need to beef up security apparatus in the continent and Nigeria in particular through mutual collaboration.
“We are creating awareness to say no to kidnapping in Nigeria and Africa at large. We want a united Africa that is peaceful. We want Africa that moves forward and prospers in all areas without any boundary.
“We want Africa that every citizen can be proud of. This is an awareness programme and we are taking it to different states. We have started with Abuja.
“We have been in Ethiopia for our summit. We will also be there at another international conference and create awareness about this programme.
“We implore the Federal Government of Nigeria to provide enabling environment to encourage startups business operations, reduce poverty, invest adequately in education and support awareness groups toward promoting relevant information about security as a way forward.”
Highpoint of the event was a lecture centered on global strategy prevention, protection, prosecution and partnership as best practices in tackling insecurity.
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