A former governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba, has canvassed a broader strategy that would decentralise and strengthen the country’s security system.
Osoba, a veteran journalist, spoke at the biennial national convention of the Nigerian Guild of Editors in Enugu, saying that adopting state policing and strengthening the neighbourhood watch would improve the country’s security.
Osoba said that security should be taken to the grassroots, recalling that in earlier years, even minor incidents of insecurity were unacceptable among citizens, regardless of the presence or absence of security agents.
He said, “Taking security to the villages will help. Let’s all go back to neighbourhood policing. It’s difficult for somebody to stay in Abuja to police Enugu, Lagos, Sokoto, Cross River, and so on.”
He praised the Nigerian editors for their professionalism and patriotism, asking them to always partner with security agencies in the war against insecurity across the country.
“I want to thank editors for coming out in very large numbers for this convention. I thank you for still keeping the journalism profession alive. Nigeria has about the best editors in the world, and despite all our challenges as a nation, we’re doing best,” he said
The former governor also lauded Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, for his government’s impactful projects in the state, expressing surprise at the numerous good works he had witnessed during his visit so far.
“I’m aware Mr. President, Asuwaju Bola Tinubu highly commended you, but we will do our own assessment too to give our own verdict as editors.
“I was shocked to see what Governor Mbah is doing in Enugu. The government guest house is one of the best I’ve seen. Everything was perfect.
“I’ve looked at 71 roads as shown on videos. I also saw CCTV cameras installed by the Enugu State government around the city of Enugu. That is marvellous.
“It’s only in the UK that we have seen this kind of digital security gadget,” Osoba said.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the convention and Chief Executive Officer of Channels TV, Dr. John Momoh, called on the Federal Government to take deliberate steps to ensure the inclusion of certain sections of the country in the nation’s affairs.
Momoh noted that the Southeast still bears the scars of historical exclusion, especially the lingering effects of the Biafran experience.
He said, “We must bring them to inclusion as a form of national healing.”
Addressing the convention’s theme, “Building a Secured and Cohesive Nigeria: The Role of Dialogue, Inclusion, and the Media,” Momoh underscored the importance of justice in achieving security and national cohesion.
“As media professionals, we shape opinions, and that power comes with responsibility. Let us not only report conflict, but also be bridge builders of the national conscience.
“Dialogue is about truly listening. We must create space for real conversation. Let’s not just report conflicts, let’s just listen to them. Let’s talk about inclusion. So many people still feel left out,” he said.
He called on editors to continue raising the standard of their work, being always firm and fair, while nurturing the next generation of journalists, as Nigeria is a work in progress and a land of promise.
Also speaking, former NDDC Chairman and veteran journalist, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, urged journalists to uphold their core responsibilities—speaking for the voiceless and holding government accountable.
In his remarks, NGE President and Vanguard Newspapers Editor, Mr. Eze Anaba, expressed concern over the growing insecurity in Nigeria, marked by insurgency and kidnappings. He called for introspection within the media industry.
“Could the media have done more? Are we guilty of amplifying fear? Can we rise to the responsibility of promoting inclusion and contributing to a safer Nigeria?” Anaba posed critical questions for reflection during the convention.
Governor Mbah, who expressed deep appreciation for the kind remarks and generous words about his administration’s performance by speakers, said the convention came at a pivotal moment.
Mbah stated that his administration was only trying to restore public trust in government and foster robust dialogue among the populace.
“Governance without inclusion is fragile, and democracy without inclusion is hollow. Our commitment is to leave no one behind in Enugu State,” he said.
He tasked the editors to continue creating media that is inclusive, not one that removes or silences minorities.
