By Seyifunmi Odunuga
With the recent security situation in Nigeria, the Lead Generation has deemed it fit to celebrate Hon. Shina Peller 45th birthday with a National security and peace symposium.
The event was held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.
The theme, “National Security and Peace: Role of Government, Citizens, and institution”, is envisioned to be the largest national security and peace dialogue, bringing together security experts, governors of different states of the federation, citizens, as well as community leaders.
The symposium aims to provide sustainable solutions to the complex security challenges in Nigeria.
The Welcome Address was delivered by the wife of the celebrant and the Executive Director, Lead Generation Initiative, Chief Mrs Ayobola Peller
In her welcome address, she emphasized the state of insecurity in Nigeria and also spoke about the Lead Generation initiative which is committed to pursuing the implementation of the recommendations of the symposium through advocacy and stakeholders engagement after the event.
The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi applauds the celebrant of his motion to eradicating poverty in the country as long as he remains single-minded about making the nation great.
He also spoke about the roles the Youth have to play in retail politics beyond writing on social media.
Speaking on the theme, national security and peace symposium, Professor Isaac Olawale Albert, spoke about the Four-Dimensional Framework for Building Peace and Unity in Nigeria.
He emphasized that Nigeria is in a war with itself and the solution proffered is to give concerns for the youth generations and also to protect the integrity of the ecosystem.
We cannot have sustainable development without equity. There must be public participation. Everybody must be given a role in the system. We must look beyond the current resources of the country for future reasons. It is within this framework that we can solve the problem of insecurity in the country.
The professor urges the leaders to accept the situation of the country and ensure a change instead of denying the tribulations we’re faced with.
He admonished that other foreign countries are shying away from Nigeria.
We should face the fact that we have problems to fight. The government, society, and other leaders should get engaged on all motives to curb the menace.
While speaking to newsmen, Hon. Shina Peller said this year’s birthday celebration has been a reflection of what life has to be.
Considering the case of insecurity that is ravaging the country and the death tolls we record every day, the Lead Generation decided to mark my 45th Birthday with a public discourse roundtable for sustainable solutions to myriads of security challenges facing Nigeria.
I believe we will all die one day, but if I die, what will I be remembered for? He asked.
With what Lead Generation is doing, I see a reason why we have to build a platform that can imbibe the kind of culture we should have as Nigerians, he said.
In attendance is Gov. Kayode Fayemi(Governor of Ekiti state), Otunba Alao Akala(Former Governor Of Oyo state), Hon. Akin Alabi, Hon. Obanikoro, Hon. Adebayo Shittu, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed, and many others.