An Information Communication Technology expert, Mr Jide Awe, has advised the Federal Government to deploy high-quality data, modern security tools and advanced technology in addressing insecurity problems in the country.
Awe gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, on Tuesday, while recounting the country’s achievements in national security.
He said that although the country was making progress in all sectors, including national security, she was yet to actualise her aspirations, putting into perspective her human and material resources.
Awe noted that in spite of efforts by security agencies and the government to curb unrests, insecurity, in different parts of the country, crime was still thriving.
According to him, there was, therefore, the need to change the approach in addressing insecurity in the country, without which the efforts will come to nought.
He blamed unfairness to some regions in the country and poor citizens’ participation in the affairs of government as the causes of the present challenges.
“There should have been more decisiveness in addressing the security challenges before they escalated and became widespread.
“High-quality data and intelligence, as well as modern security tools and technologies, should be used to handle insecurity in fundamental ways and on an ongoing basis.
“ We should be doing better to give our people hope for a better tomorrow, to stem the desire of young people to migrate to countries in the developed world to settle.
“Many have quality of life concerns in terms of education, health, security and also employment opportunities. There will be commitment once there is a perception of fairness within the populace.
“People need to have a sense of belonging and real belief that their hopes and aspirations will be met in the country,’’ he said.
There was the need for more citizen participation as well as high-quality representation in governance because of the too glaring disconnect between the rulers and the populace, Awe also said.
He stressed that institutions should be strengthened toward solving real problems with critical decisions taken, based on substance not gender, age, tribe or location, in a way that carried everybody along.
The ICT expert highlighted the application of value, while institutional and cultural norms that foster character, integrity, fairness and empathy must go along with competence and relevance.
He, however, noted that in spite of pockets of unrests in the country, democracy was still preferred because the social openness and dynamism it offered were evident.
“A school of thought is, however, of the opinion that the military will be better suited for instilling discipline that appears lacking in the private and public sectors.
“However, authoritarian systems and approaches usually associated with military regimes may hinder the innovativeness and freedom needed for inclusive, innovation, sustainable growth and development,’’ he said.
Awe stated that in addition to ensuring that there was justice, fairness and leadership in resolving social concerns and nation building, we must leverage Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) better, to improve the quality of lives.
He said that STI positions the citizens for competitiveness and ensured sustainability of development for all.
(NAN)