THE ugly trend in the socio-economic situation of this Nigeria has been ascribed to insecurity in the country over the years.
This observation was made at an interactive meeting with peacebuilding and crime prevention stakeholders in Nigeria, on Monday, at African Centre for Citizens Orientation Auditorium, Utako, Abuja.
According to a statement, made after the meeting and signed by the National Coordinator of the African Centre for Citizens Orientation (ACCO), Casey Olugbenga Adeleye economic growth has continued to decrease due to foreigner’s flight resulting in reduction of investments, while individuals have become traumatized, homes becoming fortresses and these eventually led to reduction in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The statement read in part: “The efforts of the military and other security agencies are noted and commended, but there is a need for citizens to be proactive in the fight against insecurity in the land. Going by the budget for defense and security from 2012 till date, Nigerian government allocated over N5.3trillion to the detriment of health, agriculture and education. This led to continuous hunger and poverty, loss of job and other social ills.
“Therefore, Nigerians must be ready to act as agents of prevention at all times and help secure our nation and continent. Whether they are conscious or unconscious of crime and violence perpetrated in their domains, everybody pays for crime committed. In order to reduce the high rate of unemployment, young people must be adequately prepared and empowered to act against crime in the land, knowing that insecurity affects business confidence as many companies lost confidence in establishing businesses in some parts of the country.
“We hereby urge the Nigerian youth at all levels to cooperate with the authority in addressing insecurity in the country and be ready to act as agents of change. They need to form sub-groups and constitute themselves to positive teams in their communities in order to promote peace and unity needed for economic development and national growth.
“The growing incidence of crime and violence can be abated if citizens, most especially young people, are enlisted as partners.”
Adeleye disclosed that ACCO has organised a two day event to contribute to a safer and peaceful environment conducive for learning and living.
The event, according to the Coordinator of the group, is tagged, “Secure Africa – Africa Regional Youth Crime Prevention and Development”, and is scheduled to hold between August 30 and 31, at for Merit House, Maitama, Abuja.
Adeleye disclosed that speakers at the event included Prof. Umar G. Danbatta, Executive Vice-Chairman, NCC, Col. M.M. Abdallah, Rtd., Chairman/CEO, NDLEA, Mr. Nasir Saídu Adhama, SSA to the President on Youth and Students Affairs, Ms. Adaora Onyechere, Broadcast Journalist, DG, Institute of Peace & Conflict Resolutions, Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission, and Dr. Tunji Asaolu, Chairperson, Social Affairs & Health, African Union ECOSOCC. Other speakers expected include FCT Police Commissioner, Mr Patrick Ukpan, FCT State Commandant, NSCDC and host of others, whike Prof. Ibrahim Ado Abubakar, former Dean, Leeds University, UK will be the Chairperson for this year’s Conference.
Adeleye hoped that the event will attracts over 200 young people, policymakers, government officials, women groups from Nigeria, African countries and the world and I urge all stakeholders present to participate in the event.
