UNIFEMGA Asks Nigerian Govt To Step Up Efforts To Combat Insecurity

By Jumu’ah Abiodun

The University of Ife Muslim Graduates Association (UNIFEMGA) has compelled the Nigerian government to take it as matter of urgency to improve the security of life and property of the citizens.

The association asserted that it is no longer news that for over a decade, the Nigerian government has continued to battle with all sorts of insecurity and must do better to secure the country.

Prof. Abdul-Lateef Oladimeji, FCIPM, the Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Kwara state, who was the guest lecturer at UNIFEMGA 11th honours programme held virtually on Saturday, March 6, 2021, pinpointed key areas of concern ranging from insecurity, poverty and economy.

“Fuel price and electricity tariff are kept on the increase thereby making life miserable for the common man. Poverty index has continued to drop, almost to a zero level. As we speak, today in Nigeria, an average citizen still lives below the poverty level as daily income is below one US Dollar.”

“It is no longer news that for over a decade, the Nigerian government has continued to battle with all sorts of insecurity. The armed forces are battling with terrorism in the North East championed by the Boko Haram and the ISWAP; Banditry has taken over North West and North Central.”

“As I am writing this lecture, the 21 news of the release of passengers kidnapped from the Niger State Government awaits the release of the 47 students staff and families kidnapped at Government Science Secondary School Kagaro, Niger State are awaiting to be released by their abductors.”

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On the elites economic sabotage, Oladimeji said: “Attitudes of Nigerian elites as against the progressive and dynamic use of the influence of other elites in other climes over the years, the Nigerian situation has been determined by the actions and inactions of these set of people who spread across all sectors – economy, politics, education, military, bureaucracy, diplomatic, academics and even religious parlance.”

“When the Boko Haram was formally launched in Maiduguri, Borno State, the real issue behind their onslaught was that Yusuf the leader of this group was originally a political appointee of the then Governor as Special Adviser. He was later removed and later assassinated. The fightback by this movement resulted in their mobilizing arms and ammunition.”

“Importation of arms and ammunition have continued to be the serious national crimes being sponsored by the elites of this country.”

In his opening remark, UNIFEMGA president, Abdul-Fattah Olanlege, revealed the 3Es agenda of the association and also advocate youth empowerment.

“2020 was indeed a trying year with the Fitnah (trial) of COVID-19. What affects one affects all and we should be our brothers’ keeper. We pray for the souls of our departed brethren.”

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“Our focus over the next few years will be centred around 3E’s. Educate, Empower and Empathize while building on the diversity pillars- Everyone Included, Everyone Engaged and Everyone Valued.”

“Some of these (strategies) include recruiting and engaging youths, live membership database, professional networking and mentoring, internal and external media visibility, diaspora integration into programs.”