” Stop Blaming Government, Every Citizen should Ensure Peace and Security”— Okei-Odumakin

Civil Society activitist Joe Okei-Odumakin, has said there was the need for a joint effort at promoting economic prosperity through peace and security rather than blaming government.

The founder of “Women Arise for Change Initiative’’, spoke at the 6th Summit of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN) in Abuja on Tuesday.

In her paper on “Security Awareness and Observance: The place of Civil Society’’, she said there could be no economic development in an atmosphere devoid of peace and insecurity.

She disclosed that professional bodies should contribute their quota in support for peace and security in order to engender economic progress.

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Odumakin included that it is only when there is peace and security that the economy could thrive and usher in prosperity.

She identified insurgency, militancy, kidnapping, armed robbery, activities of herdsmen, and assassinations as some of the serious threats to security and peace.

She called for a collective effort in support of the government in the fight against violence and insecurity.

She emphasised the need for the reduction of poverty through economic empowerment.

Civil Society Orgnaisations (CSOs), she said, served as the watchdog of the society in the interest of the public and not to seek the fall of governments.

“We want a government that works. We should stop blaming government at all times.

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“We should support government in enhancing the atmosphere that can bring about economic development.’’

She commended the efforts of the security agencies, including the Army, in fight against insurgency.

She also called on government to ensure that welfare of the security agencies was enhanced to boost their morale and enhance their commitment to service.

In her opening remarks, the Vice Chairman of the Organising Committee, Mrs Mercy Iyortyer, said that peace and security was everybody’s business.

“Every citizen has a role to play in ensuring peace and security at different locations.’’

She applauded the government’s programme and interventions to ensure peace and security through the fight against terrorism, militancy and kidnapping.

(NAN)