Seeking the way forward in the fight against corruption and insecurity dominated the discussion at a one-day conference organised by Scroll Report Online paper, in Sheraton Ikeja, Lagos on August 29. All the speakers, including security experts, called for a collective effort in tackling insecurity and corruption, which they identified as the greatest hindrances to the development of Nigeria.

The first guest speaker, Wahab Shittu, a lawyer and counsel to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), set the tone for the conference by saying during his presentation that “insecurity threatens our collective freedom, security and national development. We have been labelled a terrorist country.” He also called for a collective effort in tackling corruption and insecurity, saying: “Fighting insecurity and corruption is a collective effort and not the responsibility of government alone. It should be collectively tackled.”

Fatai Owoseni, former Commissioner of Police in Lagos and Benue states, now Special Adviser on Security to Oyo State Government, agreed with Shittu. He said: “Everyone should be involved in the fight against corruption and insecurity. The media and civil societies must serve selflessly to the fight against corruption and insecurity. The media has the power to change things. The media and civil societies should drive the change to fight corruption through passion and selflessness.”

Representative of the Inspector General of Police, Oqua Effiom Etim, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Lagos, State, in his goodwill message recommended that the fight against corruption should begin at the home front so that the society will be a better place. His recommendation was also emphasised by Frank Odita, retired Commissioner of Police and former Force Public Relations Officer, who said: “The family which is the basic unit of society has a role to play. The fight against corruption and insecurity should start with the family.”

Toun Okewale, Managing Director, WFM 91.7 Women Radio, identified corruption and insecurity as Nigeria’s biggest challenges that eats away available resources meant for development, noting that the impact is more on women.

Bolanle Sarumi Aliyu, former governorship candidate in Oyo State, voiced out against corruption, saying: “We celebrate criminals in Nigeria and we can only fight corruption if we do not vote people with shady characters into government.”

Martins Oloja, Chairman Editorial Board of The Guardian Newspaper, spoke on the effect of corruption and insecurity on the media. He said corruption and insecurity has made the nation miss out on so many opportunities in advancing further.

Ahmed Ojikutu, President of Computer and Allied Product Dealers Association of Nigeria (CAPDAN), recommended the nationwide deployment of covert gun detection technology and CCTV as a way to curb insecurity and corruption in Nigeria. According to him, some policemen went to China where they were taught how to use digital camera that could expose vehicles loaded with explosive devices and guns from far distances. Unfortunately, the policemen came back but were unable to practise what they were taught, because the equipment for such crime prevention and detection are not available in Nigeria, he said.

Presentations were also made by Professor Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika, Head of Department, Mass Communication, University of Lagos; Agatha Amata, Anchor, Inside Out TV Programme and Managing Director Rave Television and Radio; Segun Jedege, lawyer and former United Nations International Prosecutor; entertainer Kenny St Brown; and religious leader Sat Guru Maharaji.

Apart from the guest speakers some dignitaries also graced the occasion. Among them were Waheed Olagunju, former Acting Managing Director Bank of Industry; Saidi Popoola, member of Kwara House of Assembly; Soji Olagunju, Founder, Lumem Christi Television; Dr. Rabiu Oladipo, Founder & Chief Medical Director, R. Jolad Hospital; Toro Oladapo, President, National Association of Women Journalists; Dr. Kola Thomas, former Oyo State Commissioner of Education; Yemisi Fadairo, Special Adviser on Media to Jigawa and Ogun State governors; Yewande Iwuoha, General Manager, Ray Power FM, and members of Media Women Forum.

Janet Mba-Afolabi, Publisher of Scroll Report and the organiser of conference, said the theme “Fighting corruption and insecurity” was chosen “because they are major challenges facing the country. We need to seek the way forward in overcoming them.”