Shina Peller Security Summit: Expert Calls for Inclusion of Community Leaders

Security expert, Professor Olawale Albert has called on all tiers of government to carry along sub-nationalities in proffering a lasting solution to the security challenges facing the country.

Professor Albert, who is also the Dean, Multi-disciplinary Studies, University of Ibadan, stated this at a security summit organised by member representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa Federal Constituency, Mr Shina Peller to mark his 45th birthday.

Professor Albert argued that community and ethnic leaders were most times left out of the scheme of things in Nigeria, which had made them to lose hope and confidence in the government.

He noted that government needed a well worked out programme of community engagement to assist stakeholders in fighting against criminality as most crimes were believed to emanate from communities.

Contributing, chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum and Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi said the security challenges in Nigeria were surmountable, if Nigerians fight it with honesty, purpose driven, dedication and determination.

Governor Fayemi stated further that all hands must be on deck to collectively rebirth a better nation.

He added that the causes or triggers of the problems, such as insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery to mention but a few, must be dealt with for the country to be developed.

In a goodwill message, wife of former governor of Oyo State, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, said parents, especially mothers should ensure that they instill discipline and godly acts in their wards to prevent them from becoming criminals in the future.

In his message, his royal highness, Oluwo of Iwo in Osun State, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Akanbi opined that traditional rulers should be given roles in fighting crimes as they are closer to the grassroots.

In an address of welcome, the host, Mr Shina peller said he glorified God for sparing his life against all odds and promised to use the power of his office to ensure that the issue of security challenges in the Southwest and Nigeria in general became a thing of the past.

Mr Peller said countries that were in more critical security situation than Nigeria had overcome it, hence the need for all and sundry to come together with sincerity of purpose and commitment in transforming Nigeria for the better.

Mr Peller therefore promised his commitment to influence his other lawmakers to put in more efforts at fighting crimes and other related issues bedeviling the country.

The summit was graced by dignitaries, including the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, former governor of Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala; wife of former governor of the state, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, who was the mother of the day; wife of the celebrant and Executive Director, Lead Generation Initiative, Mrs. Ayobola Abiola Peller; and high-powered delegation from the National Assembly.