The Comptroller-General of Nigeria Immigration Service (CGI), Kemi Nanna Nandap, has spoken on the need to collaborate with scholars in order to have a knowledge-based security architecture to tackle challenges in the nation
The CGI said this at the opening ceremony of the 19th International Conference of the Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP) on Tuesday, where she was inducted as a Fellow.
The event was held at the Senator Abiola Ajimobi Resource Centre, University of Ibadan.
The conference had as its theme: “Economic Challenges and the Task of Building Sustainable Peace.”
Addressing the dignitaries at the event, the CGI said that the Nigeria Immigration Service institution’s core mandate deals with border security, border governance, migration and identity management, stressing the importance of having a knowledge-based security architecture for Nigeria, going by the present-day situation in the country.
“What this means is that we must work closely with scholars as we have in this institution (University of Ibadan),” she stated.
Attesting to UI as being the first and the best based on research and policy development, CGI Nandap noted that there are areas the Immigration Service would benefit from.
“Based on this, partnership with your revered institution is essential for us. Going forward, the security architecture of this nation must inculcate a lot of scholars so that we tackle these issues from a more knowledge-based, data-based approach.
“Whether we like it or not, the world is evolving; things are changing. We must improve our knowledge, research, and how we train our officers. So, I think the best place to do this is at this great institution, the University of Ibadan,” she stated.
Describing her presence at the gathering as a great honour and privilege, the CGI expressed appreciation to the Society for Peace Studies and Practice and the University of Ibadan, adding that she and her officers look forward to working together with the institution.
In his welcome address, the UI Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, spoke on the conference theme not merely being an academic exercise but one that “strikes at the very heart of our contemporary global predicament.”
Prof. Adebowale noted that challenges, which included inequality, volatility and uncertainty, debt burden and austerity, unemployment and underemployment, resource scarcity and climate stress, translate into daily struggles for survival, dashed hopes and a pervasive sense of injustice.
He emphasised that sustainable peace requires equitable development, resilient economies, responsible globalisation and investment in human capital, calling on all to be guided, not only by intellectual curiosity, but a profound sense of urgency and responsibility, adding: “Sustainable peace requires building economies rooted in ethical character, justice and shared prosperity.”
He enjoined the gathering to engage in discussions at the conference with an open a shared determination to find pathways forward, minds, critical spirits, and a shared determination to find pathways forward.
He also called on all to be guided, not only by intellectual curiosity, but a profound sense of urgency and responsibility.
In his keynote address, immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa (rtd), said Nigerians must learn to live in a society where fairness, justice and equity exist, noting that there will be rancour when this is lacking.
General Musa emphasised on true peace, saying that it needs the presence of justice, opportunity and the realistic hope for a better tomorrow, not just mere silence of guns.
He stated: “My central argument to you today is that in the 21st century, sustainable peace and inclusive economic prosperity are not sequential goals; they are inextricably linked.
“You cannot have one without the other. What I have observed in conflict zones across Nigeria and beyond is that the absence of war does not constitute peace.
“True peace is not merely the silence of guns; it is the presence of justice, opportunity and the realistic hope for a better tomorrow.”
He said the task before the nation pivot from a reactive posture of managing conflict to a proactive one of cultivating a resilient, sustainable peace.
“This requires a fundamental redefinition of our very concept of security. We must move beyond National Security focused solely on borders, to a Human Security that prioritises the well-being, dignity and economic safety of every citizen.
“A well-fed, educated and healthy population is the most resilient bulwark against violence.
In conclusion, Gen. Musa advocated a rebuild and forgiveness in order to forge a solution.
