By Golok Nanmwa,Jos
The African Peace Institute for Social Research (APISR), yesterday in Jos, began a two-day conference to strengthen collaboration between citizens and security agencies on the Plateau.
Prof. Danladi Atu, Director-General (D-G) APISR, who spoke at the opening of the conference, emphasised the urgent need for trust and cooperation between communities and law enforcement agencies.
Atu said the aim of the conference was to seek for strategies to bridge the gap between citizens and security agencies for safer, more cohesive communities.
“Citizens have a critical role to play in ensuring peace and stability, and collaboration is key,” he said,
The Chairman of the event, Sen Ahmad Lawal, (APC/ Yobe North), who declared the conference open, expressed optimism that the conference would come up with recommendations on how to sustain peace and ensure development in Nigeria.
Lawal, who was represented by Prof. Suleiman Mohammed, urged participants to pay rapt attention to the presentations at the conference.
The lead presenter, Brig..-Gen John Temlong (rtd), called for inclusive security initiatives to promote both peace and sustainable development in Nigeria.
Our correspondent reports that the conference entitled; “Community Security Initiatives for Sustainable Peace and Development in Africa,” brought together policymakers, security experts, civil society leaders,
The conference was in collaboration with Connect Institute, UK, the Directorate for Advancement and Research, University of Abuja, and the Institute for Governance and Development Studies, Nasarawa State University, Keffi.