LAGOS (SUNDIATA POST)- A former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, says persistent unstable power supply should be a major concern to Lagos State residents and local governments.
Buratai, also a former Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic, said tbis at the second edition of Annual Security Summit of Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) on Wednesday.
The summit had the theme: ”Insecurity, Cost of Living and Good Governance in the 21st Century”.
Buratai said Lagos State Government must urgently prioritise development of sustainable and efficient independent power generation solutions which would allow industries to thrive.
“By doing so, these industries cannot only regain their footing but also create much needed job opportunities for the burgeoning population.
“This initiative can significantly bridge the widening gap between the impoverished communities and the wealthy elite.
“It will foster a more equitable society where everyone has access to resources and opportunities necessary for a better quality of life,” Buratai said.
He noted that the challenges to global peace and security in the 21st century extended beyond traditional notions of national security.
“These challenges encompass issues that surpass national boundaries, including resource conflicts, plight of refugees, trafficking and terrorism.
“Attacks on one nation can have significant repercussions for others, particularly when the targeted nation possesses the potential to inflict economic harm.
“The connection between Lagos and national security is significant, stemming from the city’s influence on Nigeria’s economic and security environment,” Buratai said.
Prof. Bidemi Lafiaji-Okuneye, Vice-Chancellor of LASUED, said that insecurity and rising costs of living were pressing issues facing Nigeria in the 21st Century.
Lafiaji-Okuneye said that farmers abandoned their fields for fear of attacks, while food scarcity exacerbated economic hardships, resulting in skyrocketing prices and heightened unemployment.
“This cycle of insecurity and social unrest has particularly affected Nigerian youths, leading to increased crime, drug abuse and loss of productive potential.
“The stark reality is that effective governance can serve as a critical tool in addressing these challenges,” she said.
Mr Tolani Sule, Lagos State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, said that there was need for collective efforts to boost security within communities and societies.
Sule said that meaningful engagement of the youth would promote peace and social security.
“We are on the edge of adding another university in the state which is University of Medicine.
“Adequate security in schools will improve learning outcomes from students to lecturers and communities,” he said.
Oba Momodu Ashafa, the Aladi of Ijankin Kingdom, said that security and education were his priorities.
“I advise students to shun cultism, alcoholism and other bad activities because their future is important to themselves, schools, parents and the society,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oba Kamorudeen Animashaun, Oloja of Epe; Dr Aina Kuyamiku 1, Oloto of Oto-Awori Kingdom; and Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja, Aladeshonyin of Odo-Noforija, Epe; were at the event. (NAN)
