.Matawalle, ex-CDS Irabor, Okiro, Dikio, others to grace occasion
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Former Chief of Army Staff, Gen Martin Luther Agwai (rtd)
and National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Senator Seriake Dickson, will co-chair the maiden edition of the First Daily national dialogue on security in Abuja.
Publisher of First Daily, Dr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, in a statement on Saturday, said the event, scheduled for July 28 at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, will provide a non-partisan platform for discussions on Nigeria’s security architecture, with the objective of generating actionable recommendations that will strengthen national security, promote peace and support sustainable development.
According to the organisers, the dialogue will bring together security experts, policymakers, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, diplomats, academics, youth representatives and media practitioners to examine the root causes of insecurity and develop practical pathways towards lasting peace, national stability and inclusive development.
The statement also said Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri,
will serve as the special guest of honour and present a paper titled, “Governors as Chief Security Officers in Nigeria: The Bayelsa Example.”
The statement added, “Also confirmed is the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, while the keynote address will be delivered by General Lucky Irabor (rtd.), former Chief of Defence Staff and one of Nigeria’s most accomplished military strategists.
“Other distinguished speakers who have confirmed their participation include Sir Mike Mbama Okiro, former Inspector-General of Police; Colonel Milland Dikio (rtd.), former Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme; Captain Warredi Enisuoh, Executive Director, Operations and Technical, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited; Major Lancelot Anyanya (rtd.), retired intelligence officer of the Nigerian Army and security consultant; Dr. Yemi Onifade, lawyer and forensic expert; Professor Yahaya Ndu, Director, Gregory University, Uturu; Mr. Onyekachi Adekoya, risk management specialist and security consultant; Mr. Frank Tietie, renowned legal practitioner and public affairs commentator; and Mr. Mojeed Dahiru, frontline columnist and public affairs analyst.”
The First Daily publisher described the forthcoming security dialogue as a timely intervention in Nigeria’s search for lasting solutions to insecurity.
Iworiso-Markson said the country’s security challenges have become a major threat to national unity, economic prosperity and democratic development, making it imperative for leaders and stakeholders from every sector to engage in sincere, constructive and solution-oriented conversations.
According to the publisher, “The security of our nation cannot be left to the government alone. It requires the collective wisdom, commitment and collaboration of political leaders, security institutions, traditional rulers, civil society, the private sector and citizens.
“First Daily believes that the time has come for meaningful engagement that transcends political divides and places the security, unity and wellbeing of Nigerians above every other consideration. This dialogue is intended to provide that platform.”
He further stated that invitations have been extended to top security officials, including the minister of defence, the minister of state for defence, the minister of interior, the national security adviser (NSA), the inspector-general of police (IGP), the director-general of the Department of State Services (DSS), the chief of defence staff, the chief of army staff, the chief of naval staff, the chief of air staff, and other service chiefs.
Iworiso-Markson added that leading political figures and presidential hopefuls, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Rotimi Amaechi and other national leaders, have also been invited.
The First Daily publisher added that key stakeholders from Nigeria’s foremost socio-cultural organisations, including Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Afenifere, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), PANDEF, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and other influential groups have also been invited to contribute their perspectives to the national conversation.
He expressed appreciation to all the distinguished guests, speakers, partners and supporters who have identified with the vision of the dialogue, assuring participants that all logistical and security arrangements have been concluded for a successful event.
Iworiso-Markson expressed confidence that the dialogue’s recommendations would contribute to ongoing efforts to build a safer, more peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
