CAN, JNI, Traditional Rulers, Others To Attend Kwara Security Summit

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Jamatul Nasril Islam (JNI) and traditional rulers are among participants billed to attend a multi-stakeholder security dialogue on Thursday in Kwara State.

The security dialogue is in a bid to strengthen security and hasten socioeconomic development in the state.

The dialogue comes amid nationwide efforts, including increasing regional arrangements, to address emerging security challenges. Kwara is also part of the ongoing talks by the North Central Governments to deepen security.

According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Rafiu Ajakaye: “The security dialogue at this critical time is to bring all stakeholders on board and educate the citizens on the prevailing security challenges in the country and the need to brainstorm on strategies in tackling them headlong.”

The statement noted that the organising committee for the event comprises former military administrator Gen. S. T. Bello (chairman); the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Adisa Logun; Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Salman Jawondo; Commissioner for Finance and Planning Oyeyemi Olasumbo Florence; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Aisha Ahman Pategi; Special Adviser Special Duties Yinka Aluko; Senior Adviser and Counsellor Kale Belgore; and Special Adviser Political Saadu Salau.

Other members, the statement added include Permanent Secretary (Political and Cabinet); representatives of the Commissioner of Police, Director of the Department of State Services, NSCDC, Army, Navy, Air Force, Immigration Service, NDLEA, Prison Service, Nigerian Customs Service, Kwara State Fire Service, FRSC; and Students’ Unions. The secretariat is manned by director of Special Services in the state’s civil service.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and renowned Professor of Law, Dakas Dakas will deliver the keynote address at the event tagged ‘towards strengthening the security architecture in Kwara State: exploring community initiatives.’

“Participants include delegations from Kwara State House of Assembly; Kwara Sate Judiciary; government bodies, professional organisations, pressure groups and civil society organisations such as the NOA, NBA, NUJ, FIDA, RATH, NLC, TUC, Legal Aid Council; political parties; three traditional rulers per local government; and directors of personnel management in the 16 LGAs,” the statement said.

“The participants also include all the security service chiefs in the state; religious bodies such as JNI, CAN; faith-based organisations like FOMWAN, Ansarul -Islam, Ansar-Ud-Deen; community organisations like the IEDPU, LADDU, SHEDDU, TSEDU, Egbe Omo Ibile Igbomina, Offa Descendants Union, ODA, BUSUNENO, women groups; National Association of Kwara State Students; Okada riders association; Nigerian Legion; Miyetti Allah; Vigilante groups; market men and women; River Niger Ferry and boat operators association; Fulani, Hausa and Igbo communities, Alejo parapo; and transporters’ unions, among others,” the statement concluded.