The Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP) has called for a broader and more people-centred approach to security governance in Nigeria, as experts and stakeholders gathered in Ibadan for its 20th International Conference and General Assembly.
The Opening Ceremony / Induction / Awards programme of the conference, held on Tuesday at Lead City University, Ibadan, with the theme “Security Governance and Global Dynamics,” brought together academics, security experts, policymakers and peace practitioners to examine emerging security challenges and their implications for peace, development and social stability.
Delivering the keynote address, former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, challenged governments at the federal and state levels to redefine Nigeria’s security strategy around the everyday security needs of citizens, including food, employment, healthcare and education. He warned that poverty and unemployment, particularly among young people, could create conditions for extremist recruitment.
Egbetokun argued that addressing insecurity requires more than military and policing responses, stressing that governance challenges must also be tackled. He said security governance should include reforms to policing, improved institutional accountability and clearly defined roles for federal, state and community-level security structures.
In his welcome remarks, the President of SPSP, Professor Benjamin Aluko, said the conference was convened against the backdrop of growing global uncertainty, protracted conflicts, ethno-religious tensions, extremism, state fragility and declining institutional capacity. He noted that these developments have made security governance central to efforts aimed at promoting peace, justice, human rights, development and social order.
Declaring the conference open, the Vice Chancellor of Lead City University and host of the conference, Professor Kabiru Adeyemo, emphasised that security extends beyond the protection of territorial borders. According to him, it encompasses access to justice, public trust, economic opportunities and social inclusion.
Adeyemo further stated that weak governance can create conditions in which insecurity thrives, while accountable, inclusive and responsive governance can support peace. He reaffirmed Lead City University’s commitment to peace education, good governance and national development, stressing that universities have a responsibility to produce not only graduates but also problem-solvers, peacebuilders and ethical leaders.
The conference therefore provided a platform for stakeholders to examine security governance from a broader perspective, linking security with governance, development, human rights, social cohesion and environmental sustainability.
