BY LAW IBITOYE
The Commander, Ondo State Security Network Agency code named ‘Amotekun’, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye has advocated strong political will, transparent governance system, training, capacity building, reforms and social equality as panacea to insecurity in Nigeria.
The Commander posited that addressing social inequality through inclusive policies, social welfare programmes, and economic opportunities are crucial to building a cohesive society.
Commander Adeleye proffered these solutions at a public lecture organized by Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ekiti State Council, titled “BREAKING THE BARRIERS TO A SECURED SOCIETY”
Speaking in Ado Ekiti, the Commander Ondo state Amotekun said strong political will and transparency of government policies and programmes would go along way in curtailing insecurity in Nigeria. While advocating strengthening of police force, sisters agencies and judiciary as weapons to frontally combat crimes.
Commander Adeleye attributed corruption, weak institutions, social inequality and terrorism among several factors responsible for insecurity in the society.
He emphasized that the concept of security goes beyond absence of violence and conflict, adding that a secured society is one where people can live in peace, with their rights and freedoms protected, and where they have access to opportunities for growth and developments.
Commander Adeleye whose pragmatic approach towards combatting crimes in Ondo state has been commended in several
foral, said corruption has not only undermined rule of law, distort public trust but hampered social development .
According to the guest speaker, “Security encompasses the protection of individuals, communities, and nations from threats that endanger their well-being and livelihoods. A secured society is one where people can live in peace, with their rights and freedoms protected, and where they have access to opportunities for growth and development”
However, achieving security is often challenging due to various barriers that impede progress. These barriers can be internal, such as corruption, weak institutions, and social inequality, or external, such as terrorism, organized crime, and cyber threats”
Corruption is a major barrier to security as it undermines the rule of law, erodes public trust, and distorts economic development. In many societies, corruption enables criminal networks to thrive and weakens the capacity of law enforcement agencies. He stressed that weak institutions, such as ineffective police forces, inadequate judicial systems, and corrupt bureaucracies, can impede security efforts. These institutions often lack the capacity, resources, and expertise to address emerging threats and protect citizens effectively.
Social inequality is a root cause of insecurity as it breeds resentment, alienation, and disenchantment among marginalized groups. In unequal societies, individuals are more likely to turn to crime, violence, and extremism as a means of expressing their grievances. Addressing social inequality through inclusive policies, social welfare programs, and economic opportunities is crucial to building a more secure and cohesive society”
Proffering panaceas to insecurity, the commandant advocated investing in strong institutions, such as effective law enforcement agencies, independent judiciaries, transparent bureaucracies, promoting Transparency, fostering Inclusivity
through inclusive policies, social welfare programmes, and economic opportunities are essential to addressing social inequality and building a cohesive society.
He added that enhancing international cooperation through information sharing, joint operations, and capacity-building to combating transnational threats such as terrorism, organized crime, and cyber threats. Strengthening partnerships with neighboring countries, international organizations, and regional alliances will improve the effectiveness of security efforts.
While calling for empowering Communities through community policing, civic engagement, and social programmes are veritable ways to curb crimes in Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to Governor Oyebanji on Security, Brig. Ebenezer Ogundana retired reiterated the efforts of Ekiti State Government towards making Ekiti safe from kidnapping and Social virces .
While proliferation of firearms were condemned.
High point of the event was presentation of Awards to deserving members in Ekiti state.