By Adewole Kehinde
“The person determined to achieve maximum success learns the principle that progress is made one step at a time,” – David J. Schwartz
In a bid to ensure stability in internal security and foster economic prosperity, social integration, and political development for the benefit of all Nigerians, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has continued the Annual Senior Police Retreat and Conference, with the fifth edition scheduled to be held at Abeokuta, Ogun State, from November 25 to November 28, 2024.
The first edition took place in Lagos in October 2019, while the second edition took place in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital, on February 7–10, 2022, the third edition took place in Owerri on October 18–21, 2022; and the fourth edition took place from October 30th to November 1st, 2023, at the Landmark Event Centre, Owerri, Imo State.
President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to inaugurate the fifth edition and deliver the keynote address.
I know the conference and retreat will bring together senior police officers of the rank of Deputy Inspectors-General of Police, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, and Commissioners of Police.
I am happy that the retreat will enable the Nigeria Police to evaluate its strengths, pinpoint areas for improvement, and realign its goals with the evolving needs of the Nigerian populace.
This gathering will be pivotal in preparing the Nigeria Police for the challenges of 2025 and beyond, reinforcing its commitment to the modernization and ongoing reform of the Nigerian Police Force
“The retreat will enable us to evaluate our strengths, pinpoint areas for improvement, and realign our goals with the evolving needs of the Nigerian populace.
“This gathering will be pivotal in preparing us for the challenges of 2025 and beyond, reinforcing our commitment to the modernisation and ongoing reform of the Nigerian Police Force, the IGP said.
I must commend the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, especially for the continued hosting of the conference and retreat yearly.
To foster economic prosperity, social integration, and political development through enhanced internal security mechanisms in Nigeria, several steps can be taken, which this conference and retreat will surely bring justice to.
I strongly believe that the retreat will attract key officials from sister security agencies, national and international development partners, and other stakeholders and bring about the below:
Strengthen Law Enforcement Agencies: The conference and retreat should provide adequate training, resources, and equipment to law enforcement agencies such as the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other security agencies.
This will enable them to effectively combat crime and maintain law and order.
Also, the retreat should ensure improved intelligence gathering and sharing. This is the best time to enhance intelligence-gathering capabilities and information sharing among different security agencies. This will help identify potential threats and take preventive measures promptly.
This retreat should also enhance border security. The federal government should invest in modern technology and human resources to strengthen border security. This will help prevent the influx of illegal weapons, drugs, and human trafficking while ensuring legitimate trade activities thrive.
I am very optimistic that the retreat will also promote community policing. It should also encourage community participation in maintaining security by promoting community policing initiatives. This should involve collaboration between law enforcement agencies and local communities, fostering trust, and sharing responsibility for managing security issues.
At the end of the retreat, there should be solutions to tackle socio-economic challenges that contribute to insecurity. Addressing poverty, unemployment, and inequality can help reduce the vulnerability of individuals to engage in criminal activities. This is where the federal government has a vital role to play.
There is also a need to improve the judicial system and access to justice. Reform the judicial system to ensure timely dispensation of justice and accountability for crimes committed. This will help build public trust and confidence in the legal system.
To foster economic prosperity, social integration, and political development through enhanced internal security mechanisms, there is a need to enhance international cooperation. Strengthening cooperation with neighbouring countries and international partners in intelligence sharing, capacity building, and coordinated efforts to combat transnational crimes and terrorism is non-negotiable.
I am also optimistic that the conference and retreat will further promote dialogue and reconciliation. There is a need to encourage dialogue and reconciliation processes to address grievances and conflicts that often fuel insecurity. This can be achieved through initiatives such as interethnic dialogues, peacebuilding programmes, and conflict resolution mechanisms. The conference and retreat need to critically look into that aspect.
Also, investment in education and youth empowerment is paramount. The Federal Government should prioritise education and skills development programmes to empower the youth, who represent a significant demographic in Nigeria. This can help steer them away from criminal activities and encourage positive contributions to society.
On a final note, promoting good governance and fighting corruption should be prioritised. There is a need to enhance transparency, accountability, and good governance practices at all levels of government. This includes reducing corruption, ensuring efficient service delivery, and building public trust in government institutions.
It is important to note that these steps require long-term commitment, collaboration among various stakeholders, and continuous evaluation and adaptation based on evolving security challenges. It is my hope that this timely conference and retreat will achieve its major objective of fostering economic prosperity, social integration, and political development through enhanced internal security mechanisms.
To ensure the success of the gathering, the Police boss is collaborating with a consulting firm, Lenders Consult International Ltd
Finally, I would like to express my genuine hope that President Bola Tinubu, who is also kicking off the conference and retreat, will see through the communiqué that emerges from it.
Adewole Kehinde is a public affairs analyst based in Abuja. 08166240846 kennyadewole@gmail.com
