National Assembly Champions Grassroots Security with Training for Traditional Rulers and Local Leaders

In a bid to bolster community safety, the House of Representatives' Committee on National Security and Intelligence convened its inaugural bi-annual training program focused on Community Security Engagement. The initiative targeted traditional rulers, local government chairpersons, and critical grassroots security stakeholders, aiming to equip them with essential skills and knowledge.

The training session unfolded on Tuesday, July 21, 2025, at the Conference Centre of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in Jabi, Abuja.

Representing Senate President Senator Obong Godswill Akpabio, Senator Dandutse Muntari Mohammed, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, lauded the contributions of chairpersons, traditional rulers, and community stakeholders in preserving peace and stability within their respective communities. He emphasized the National Assembly's recognition of their crucial role in maintaining security at the local level.

"Your efforts are crucial in promoting stability and fostering a sense of safety among citizens," Senator Mohammed stated. "This training is initiated to underscore our commitment to enhance security at the grassroots level."

He further added, "This training therefore is aimed to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to enable you to engage and address emergency security challenges in our community by working together... I urge you to engage and participate actively in this training. Together we can develop strategies to tackle security challenges and promote peace in our community."

Senator Akpabio, through his representative, reiterated the National Assembly's unwavering commitment to supporting security agencies through adequate budgeting and financing, thereby enhancing their capacity to address the nation's security challenges.

NOUN Pledges Support Through Education and Technology

Mallam Isa Yuguda, Pro-Chancellor of NOUN, highlighted the institution's commitment to community security through education, announcing plans to establish multiple security study centers. "If we can achieve the dream of establishing 774 study centres in each of the local governments across the federation, this can help in crisis resolution. Community security is the bedrock of national stability," Yuguda asserted.

The former Bauchi State governor stressed the need for proactive measures and the integration of technology in the fight against insecurity. "We need developmental, enhanced technology such as smart phones, CCTVs, solar panels and digital reporting apps because we are in an information technology world and all these need to be incorporated in our fight for insecurity," he explained.

University Highlights Technological Prowess and Collaboration

Prof. Olufemi Peters, Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Isaac Butswat, affirmed the university's commitment to providing an enabling environment for security-related programs. He noted, "Security is everybody’s business and so the stakeholders that have been invited have clearly chosen us to create an enabling environment which we have been given for this training."

Prof. Butswat further highlighted NOUN's technological advantages, stating, "Technologically, we are the best compared to other universities." He also emphasized the university's internal security measures and its willingness to collaborate with stakeholders whenever necessary.

Key Stakeholders Address the Gathering

The Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, was represented by Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 7 headquarters, AIG Victor Olaiya. Royal Prince Celestine Ekwe, Chairman of Royalgate International Convener, also delivered remarks at the event.

Major-General Chris Olukolade delivered an insightful lecture on "Local Intelligence and National Security Awareness: A Veritable Tool in Security Management," providing attendees with valuable knowledge and strategies for enhancing community safety.