By Adesoba Toluwalope
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has called for the need of an urgent response concerning the issue of security in the country.
Makinde talked on a need to change course, or risk greater danger when it comes to the security of the present Nigeria.
The Governor used the EndSARS protests recently done across the nation as an example, stated that we can all see how bad the security is at the moment, following the way some people used the opportunity to loot and hijack Government and private properties.
Governor Makinde, who stated this at the Dayo Aderogba Hall of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, press center, Iyaganku, Ibadan, maintained that if the country doesn’t change its course on the state of security, “no one will be spared.”
The Governor used the EndSARS protests recently done across the nation as an example, stating that we can all see how bad the security is at the moment, following the way some people used that opportunity to loot and hijack government and private properties.
He said, “I believe some of you Journalists here covered those events (hijacking of the EndSARS protests and looting) and can tell the stories first hand. If there’s one thing you took away from that event, it is that no one is really safe if Nigeria continues to travel the current path.
“If we continue on this path, no one will be spared. So, we have to make up our minds that we need to change course. Therefore, everyone has a role to play in bringing about development in our country.”
Makinde who spoke on the theme: Journalists and the Development of Underdevelopment in Nigeria, said Journalists have a lot to do concerning issues on security. He added that the theme name is very crucial in this present situation.
“The theme you have chosen for this year’s engagement is quite timely. Global events in the year 2020 have further exposed the need for development in the underdeveloped world.
“When the COVID-19 pandemic was first identified as a worldwide threat, public commentators were worried about the impact the pandemic would have on African nations. Our poor healthcare and sanitation systems seemed to point to higher levels of devastation than in the developed world.
“So far, a combination of factors has minimized the overall medical impact of the pandemic on our continent. We have had fewer reported deaths than in other parts of the world. However, we could not dodge the economic consequences, which is partly why Nigeria is facing another recession in the third quarter of 2020.
“The economic effects of the pandemic can also be partially blamed for the level of looting and banditry that followed the EndSARS protests about a month ago. People everywhere were hungry and angry.
“Everyone has a role to play in bringing about development in our country. Of course, no one expects Journalists to build roads, hospitals, or provide other infrastructure that is primary responsibility of the government. But that does not mean you do not have a role to play. We all know that information is a weapon.”
