DOPF 2024 Convention Calls For Collective Action, Local Solutions to Tackle Security Challenges
A communique issued at the 2024 Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) Convention and Lecture Series, held in Asaba, Delta State, has emphasised the need for collaborative, community-driven, and morally grounded approaches to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
The communique, signed by Augustine Oyibode, Chairman, Kenneth Orusi, Secretary, Communique Drafting Committee and Shedrack Onitsha, MNIPR, Secretary, DOPF outlined the following resolutions and recommendations aimed at fostering security, equity, and moral rejuvenation in society.
On the issue of security, that security as a collective responsibility security should not be left solely to government agencies. Citizens must play active roles in safeguarding their communities, traditional leaders should be granted authority to address security challenges within their domains due to their familiarity with local communities. Localised solutions, driven by proactive community efforts, were deemed the most effective in combating insecurity.
The society must stop celebrating individuals with untraceable sources of wealth. Religious organisations and families should set moral examples by rejecting illicit financial gifts.
Government officials were urged to treat all citizens fairly, regardless of social or economic status, to strengthen trust and unity.
On reforming police strategies, the forum called for community-oriented policing strategies to enhance crime prevention and response at the grassroots level, adding that introducing security education in schools curricula was necessary to equip young people with the knowledge needed to address security concerns. POS operators and Okada riders were urged to remain vigilant to avoid being used for criminal activities.
In order to restore moral values, the communique emphasised the urgent need for societal rebirth to restore integrity, accountability, and respect for moral values; while on order to
combat politically motivated crime; public officials were called upon to desist from supporting criminal elements for political gain.
The communique also addressed issues such as the role of traditional rulers, the criminalisation of result forgery by parents, and the importance of exploring culturally rooted crime-fighting methods; and reflects a unified call to action, emphasising the urgency of collective efforts, moral rejuvenation, and the implementation of local solutions in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
The event was made possible with the support of the Delta State Government, Tantita Security Services Limited, Elysian Homes and Properties, and other organisations committed to fostering community safety and social harmony.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Emmanuel O. Enebeli, ANIPR, Chairman of the Delta Online Publishers Forum, reaffirmed the DOPF’s dedication to driving conversations and actions that promote societal transformation, security, and accountability.
Themed “Security Challenges: Finding Implementable Local Solutions,” the convention brought together key stakeholders, including security experts, media practitioners, government representatives, and civil society leaders, to deliberate on practical solutions to insecurity.
Delivering the keynote address, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, MNIPR, MIPRA, FCAI, the Force Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Police Force, highlighted the importance of synergy between security agencies and communities. Adejobi underscored that addressing insecurity requires a collective effort and shared responsibility, a point echoed by the event’s distinguished panelists.
The panel featured Amb. (Past) Edewor Egedegbe, Founding Executive Director of Value Rebirth Initiative; Bridget Dominion Foh Affiah, Executive Director of The Ideal Women Advancement Initiative; Odita Sunday-Udemaguna, Head of Defense/Security Affairs at The Guardian Newspaper; and Prof. Emmanus Odikaeseme, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria (ALPSPN), Delta State.
The event was chaired by Elder Emma Ogidi, FCE, FNIPR, a former Security Adviser on Neighbourhood Watch to the Delta State Governor.
In his address, Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting grassroots solutions to insecurity. Other notable participants included representatives of the Delta State House of Assembly Speaker, the Commissioner of Police, DSS, NSCDC, FRSC, and prominent interest groups such as the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).
