By Mike Adeyemi
Royal fathers in the state have been charged to synergize with government toward curbing the menace of insecurity in the country.
The President of the Nigerian Workforce Strategy and Enlightenment Centre (NIWOSEC), Dr. Kayode Ehindero gave the charge during this year Royal Leaders Gathering held at Kwara Hotels, Ilorin on Saturday.
Ehindero in a paper presentation tagged, โStrategy for Curbing Security Challenge in Nigeria,โ urged royals fathers not to leave the issues of insecurity to government alone.
โThe issue of insecurity in Nigeria, as disturbing in the recent time, started out like child’s play. Many felt unconcerned, unbothered and careless of the bugbear.
โIt started out gradually in the core north and was handled as something that would end in a jiffy. As it stands, insecurity is not just a concern to the northerners , but everywhere in Nigeria is not safe anymore because no one can predict what could erupt at any time,โ he said.
Ehindero who attributed insecurity in the country to many factors said it is high time the traditional leaders at grassroots rose to the challenge.
โProliferation of insecurity has been attributed to so many reason such as government failure leading to growing population of frustrated and violent people, lack of fairness and Justice which is compelling people to handle things their way without considering resultant effect.
โThe conflict of ethno-religion where relationship between one ethnic or religious group and another in a heterogeneous nation is defined by lack of cordiality, tolerance, mutual suspicion, distrust, fear and violent confrontations to settle issues,โ he stressed.
He however added that there is need for the country to change its approach to the challenge of insecurity.
โMay I mention, at this point, the efforts and indefatigability of the military, police and other security agencies cannot be shunned. However, it is rather worrisome and alarming that despite all suggestions and way outs, insecurity is still growing.
โIt occur to me that, there is a need for us to change our approach to the challenge of insecurity. We need to employ a model that is workable for our society and country. We have been adopting a top -to – bottom approach which is failing us, it is time to adopt a bottom -to – top approachโ he added.
Speaking with our reporter shortly after the event, His Royal Highness, the Oloro of Oro-Ago, (Oba) Johnson Olarewaju Dada described the gathering as timely and apt.
โThis lecture is timely and very vital because it will assist us the more towards curtailing the incessant security challenges at our communities.
โWe have been romancing the government over time towards finding lasting solutions to the menace. With what we heard here today, it will afford us the opportunity to domesticate the approach in our domains,โ the royal father said.
Similarly, the Onidera of Idera, (Oba) James Oladipo Buremoh said is high time government at various level changed their approach in combating the insecurity by carrying traditional leaders along.
โWe at the grassroots see it more than people at the city. Kwara State government should endeavor to carry royal fathers along towards combating this problem. There should be a periodic engagement between the government and the traditional rulers,โ Onidera advised.
