By Julius Peter, Abuja
Jeremiah T. Mkaave has called on Nigerians and other Africans to take security as a collective responsibility, stressing that the protection of lives, property and communities should not be left solely to security agencies.
Mkaave made the call shortly after receiving an award and being inducted by the African Institute of Management and Administrative Science (AIMAS) at the Africa 2026 Security Strategic Management Conference.
The conference, which attracted dignitaries and professionals from different parts of the country and beyond, was held with the theme: “Countering Terrorism, Insurgency and Banditry in Africa for Optimum Productivity.”
Speaking after receiving the award, Mkaave emphasised the importance of security consciousness among individuals, organisations and communities, noting that everyone has a role to play in preventing threats and promoting a safe environment.
According to him, security is not the responsibility of government and security agencies alone, but a shared responsibility that requires the active participation of citizens.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant, pay attention to their surroundings and promptly report suspicious activities or persons to the appropriate authorities.
Mkaave said a secure environment was critical to productivity, economic growth and social development, stressing that individuals and organisations could only perform effectively when their lives, businesses and property were adequately protected.
He also called for greater cooperation among citizens, government institutions, security agencies, professional organisations and other stakeholders in confronting the security challenges confronting Africa.
He said the theme of the conference was particularly relevant given the growing security concerns associated with terrorism, insurgency and banditry in different parts of the continent.
Mkaave expressed appreciation to the African Institute of Management and Administrative Science for recognising his contributions and honouring him with the award and induction.
He described the recognition as an encouragement to continue contributing positively to society and promised to sustain his commitment to the service of humanity and the development of his country.
He said he would continue to give his best in whatever capacity he found himself, adding that the award had further strengthened his resolve to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The Africa 2026 Security Strategic Management Conference provided a platform for stakeholders to examine contemporary security challenges in Africa and explore strategies for strengthening security management, preventing violent crimes and creating an enabling environment for sustainable productivity.
The conference also brought together professionals from diverse fields, politicians, academics, administrators and other stakeholders with an interest in security, management, governance and national development.
Participants discussed the need for a coordinated and proactive approach to addressing terrorism, insurgency and banditry, while emphasising the importance of intelligence sharing, community participation, effective leadership and institutional collaboration.
The gathering further highlighted the connection between security and economic productivity, as persistent insecurity can undermine businesses, disrupt communities, discourage investment and negatively affect the overall development of nations.
Mkaave’s call for collective responsibility therefore formed part of the broader message of the conference: that effective security management requires not only the efforts of trained security personnel but also the cooperation, vigilance and responsible conduct of ordinary citizens.
The event ended with renewed calls for stakeholders across Africa to strengthen partnerships and adopt innovative approaches capable of addressing emerging security threats while promoting peace, stability and productivity across the continent.
