In a recent statement, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma emphasized that addressing insecurity in Nigeria requires more than just using force. Speaking to newsmen through his Chief Press Secretary, Oguwike Nwachukwu, Uzodimma stated that effective solutions must involve an inclusive approach, starting from the grassroots level. He called for active citizen participation and implementing preventive strategies to curb the country’s security challenges.
Governor Uzodimma shared his views during a meeting with the Management and Course 18’ National Institute for Security Studies (NISS) participants at the Government House in Owerri. The governor explained that while security forces may play a role, the key to overcoming insecurity lies in creating systems that involve the local population and foster cooperation at all levels of government. He believed that proactive measures would be more effective than relying on armed forces to address grievances.
During the event, Governor Uzodimma also took the opportunity to thank the National Institute for Security Studies for choosing Imo State as the location for their 2025 training program. He encouraged the participants to leverage their firsthand experiences in the state to contribute to developing strategies for managing insecurity nationwide. The governor also highlighted his administration’s efforts in combating insecurity through governance and community engagement, recalling his lecture at the institute in 2020 as a demonstration of his support.
The delegation, led by NISS Commandant Joseph Odama, comprises security professionals from various agencies, including 22 Nigerian agencies and representatives from five African countries. The group is attending the 2025 annual training program on intelligence security, focusing on the theme “Non-state Actors in Security Management in Africa.” This course aims to equip participants with the knowledge to tackle complex security challenges and promote inter-agency collaboration and international cooperation. During their visit, the group toured the three major regions of Imo State and the state’s tertiary institutions to better understand the local security situation.
Odama expressed optimism that the training would significantly impact the participants and enhance their ability to address security challenges in their respective countries. He also praised Governor Uzodimma for his administration’s infrastructural developments and for the warm hospitality extended to the delegation.
