Paragraph 1: A Call for Regional Security and Development in Southwest Nigeria
Stakeholders in Southwest Nigeria convened at the National Conference of Egbe Amofin Oodua in Abeokuta to address pressing issues of insecurity and development. The conference, themed “Regional Justice, Security, and Sustainable Development,” brought together legal practitioners from Ekiti, Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Lagos, and Ondo States, united under the banner of Egbe Amofin Oodua. Central to their discussions was the strengthening of Amotekun, the regional security network, as a key driver for tackling insecurity and fostering development. Participants emphasized the need for effective collaboration among the Southwest states to address the multifaceted challenges facing the region.
Paragraph 2: Strengthening Amotekun: A Multifaceted Approach to Security
Former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Akinlolu Olujinmi, delivered the keynote address, underscoring the significance of collaboration in enhancing Amotekun’s effectiveness. He argued that a unified approach to security would not only combat the threats posed by open grazing, a contentious issue in the region, but also address other security concerns. Olujinmi stressed the importance of increased empowerment and capacity building for Amotekun personnel across the six states, enabling them to effectively police roads and communities. This, he argued, would create a conducive environment for regional justice, security, and sustainable development.
Paragraph 3: Engaging Communities and Addressing Youth Unemployment
Olujinmi advocated for closer engagement between governments and communities, urging the states to prioritize the specific needs of their constituents. He cautioned against implementing development programs irrelevant to local needs, emphasizing the importance of tailoring initiatives to address the unique challenges faced by each community. Recognizing the region’s rich resources, including fertile land and a vibrant human capital base, Olujinmi called for strategic harnessing of these assets to drive development. He further highlighted the critical need to address youth unemployment through robust commitment and targeted interventions, recognizing its importance for sustainable development.
Paragraph 4: Upholding the Rule of Law and Promoting Professional Integrity
Addressing the members of Egbe Amofin Oodua, Olujinmi stressed the importance of the association’s success, urging members to prioritize the collective good. He encouraged mutual prosperity within the legal community, emphasizing the importance of conducting all dealings in accordance with the rule of law. This emphasis on ethical practice reflects the critical role of legal professionals in upholding justice and ensuring a stable and equitable society.
Paragraph 5: Combating Open Grazing and Advocating for State Police
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr. Wahab Shittu, presented a paper titled “Combating the Threats of Open Grazing, Terrorism and Need For State Police.” He argued for a ban on open grazing, advocating for ranching initiatives as a more sustainable alternative. Shittu also proposed fostering agreements between communities, enabling herders and farmers to share land respectfully, thereby mitigating conflicts. He challenged the legal community to take a proactive role in addressing insecurity, emphasizing their expertise in interpreting and reforming laws to ensure justice.
Paragraph 6: Addressing Educational Challenges and Promoting Holistic Development
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana brought attention to the declining standard of education in the Southwest region. He expressed concern that despite increased access to education, the performance of students remained subpar. This highlights a critical need for educational reforms to improve the quality of education and ensure that students are adequately equipped for the future. The discussions at the conference underscored the interconnectedness of security, development, and social issues, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to address the challenges facing Southwest Nigeria. The call for strengthened collaboration, community engagement, and robust legal frameworks reflects a commitment to building a more secure, just, and prosperous future for the region.
