Kunle Adelabu & Mariam Akinloye
The Chief Executive Officer, Kwenu FM and former Permanent Secretary, Lagos Television, Chief Olalekan Adeleke Ogunbanwo, has called on the government to adopt a more human –centered approach in tackling security challenges facing the country.
Chief Ogunbanwo, who was also a former Permanent Secretary in Lagos State, emphasised the need for security, democratic participation, youth empowerment, economic opportunity, responsible media and the rule of law which reinforce one another.
The broadcaster spoke at the 4th edition of the annual lecture which was part of the activities celebrating the 40th annual Imota Ayayo Day, held at the CALEB University Multipurpose Hall, Imota, on Friday.
“The chosen theme of the talk is not only apt but timely given the critical role expected of our young people, responsible media engagement, flourishing democratic tenets, social cohesion and national security as well as a more inclusive future in our strive for nation-building.
Nigeria today is at the threshold of a general election that is already heating the polity as opposing camps and interests are overreaching themselves to seek the consent of the electors. This is not new since the nation’s return to civil rule twenty seven years ago, the longest experiment since Nigeria’s Independence in 1960.”
Chief Ogunbanwo further stated youth empowerment, political participation, responsible media and security are inter –related and connected, stressed that to have a safer and prosperous country, the government must make the people the centre of its policies.
“The concepts of Youth Empowerment, Political Participation in a democratic setting, Responsible Media and a secured nation are intertwined and closely connected in the context of governance, citizenship, national security, development and nation-building.”
An inclusive and safer Nigeria would require a shift from a predominantly state-centred conception of security towards a human-centred model in which security, democratic participation, youth empowerment, economic opportunity, responsible media and the rule of law reinforce one another.”
He warned against the perception of national security solely from the angle of the military, rather, Chief Ogunbanwo, stressed the need for economic and social safety of the citizenry and that of institutions and infrastructures as major components of the national security that must be protected.
“National security therefore should not be understood simply as military security. The security of citizens, institutions, infrastructure and the economic and social foundations of the country are also important.”
“The four concepts can be understood as parts of a broader nation-building framework. For example, empowered young people are more likely to participate constructively in democratic processes. Democracy provides the institutional environment in which citizens can exercise their rights,” he said.
While stating that no external intervention can save the country, Chief Ogunbanwo charged Nigerians to work together for the greatness of the country.
”I also believe that no external power or another race or people will come to do the necessary transformation of our society for us. We are Nigerians, and, as General Muhammadu Buhari of blessed memory warned during his adventure in power in 1984, we have no other place to claim as our own country but Nigeria.
He called for the empowerment of youth and building their capacity to be active citizens and contributors to national development
The guest speaker, being a veteran journalist, laid emphasis on the roles of the media in ensuring security, transparency and at the same time, promoting developments.
“Responsible media is expected to verify information before publication or broadcast, distinguish facts from opinions and speculation, provide appropriate context, give affected parties a reasonable opportunity to respond, deliberately avoid spreading misinformation or disinformation, respect privacy and human dignity where appropriate and to avoid inciting violence, hatred or discrimination.”
“The media, as the fourth estate of the realm, is also expected to correct significant errors, hold governments and other powerful institutions accountable and give citizens information necessary for informed public participation.”
He added, “Responsible media does not mean media that would sheepishly support the government in the expectation of patronage but a section of the society that exercises its freedom ethically and professionally. This is particularly important in a democracy: the media can act as a watchdog over power while also having a responsibility not to endanger the public through reckless or irresponsible false reporting.”
“Responsible media gives citizens reliable information with which to make decisions and hold leaders accountable. Effective democratic institutions and informed citizens can, in turn, contribute to addressing grievances and strengthening national cohesion and security,” Chief Ogunbanwo stressed.
Dr. Olumide Metilelu, PhD., Associate Professor, noted Imota Ayayo Annual Lecture Committee edition is part of a continuing conversation about the heritage of Imota and its future.
“The Annual Imota Ayayo Public Lecture was established to give our cultural celebration an enduring intellectual, educational and developmental dimension. Imota Ayayo is therefore not only about celebrating our culture and traditions; it is also about creating a platform for reflection, dialogue, scholarship and ideas that can contribute to community development.
Now in its fourth edition, the lecture has become an important intellectual tradition within Imota Ayayo. We are particularly pleased to welcome our eminent past Guest Speakers, whose contributions have helped establish and strengthen this tradition. Their presence reminds us that every edition is part of a continuing conversation about our heritage, our society and our collective future.”
He also revealed plans to compile lectures delivered by distinguished scholars and eminent personalities in the last four years when the initiative started into a compendium, adding that the compendium would be preserved as reference materials for further research.
The Chairman, Imota Ayayo Day Planning Committee, Prof. Abiodun Okedeyi, emphasised the importance of the annual lecture which he also added has been one of the integral parts of the annual community day celebration and has come to stay.
He stated that through the lecture, the Imota community will be engaging the larger society in topical issues that are germane to community and national development.
While commending the initiative, Dr. Olatayo Ogunbanwo, the representative of Vice- Chancellor of Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Prof. Olumide Odusanya, also focused on the need for youth engagement through skill and technical education in building a prosperous society.
He added that there will be a safer environment and thriving democracy when youth empowerment is backed by a responsible media.
He assured the audience LASUSTECH under the leadership of Prof. Olumuyiwa Odusanya, will ensure sustenance of the idea and practice of academic community working together with the town to ensure proper orientation and development of youth for a prosperous and safer country.
Dr Edward Akerele, the representative of the Lagos State University of Education, congratulated the Imota Ayayo Day Planning Committee for putting together the initiative
“This is not just a right topic it is also timely and appropriate because when you have young people who are not empowered, they are no longer a demographic, disaster is waiting to happen, and to see the number of young people in this hall today, I am delighted.”
“It means that there is hope for the country and we should congratulate all of these people.
The society where people see that youth are the future leaders is just one. Having these young ones here and helping them to see the other side of the world is just very right and appropriate,” he added.
Vice Chairman, Imota LCDA, Princess Jimoh Oredoyin, in her remarks thanked the royal father, Oba Mudashiru Ajibade Agoro, the Ranodu of Imota, his Oloris and the entire CALEB University community for the successful 40th lecture.
She also commended the guest speaker for his delivery and impact on the society especially youth.
Princess Jimoh assured the audience, mostly students of CALEB University, that the Imota community will sustain the initiative as part of the community’s contribution to national discourse.
