By Grace Izilien
Amid growing concerns over security and the need for stronger community vigilance, a grassroots political mobilisation group, All Progressives Congress Unity Global (AUG), has called on Nigerians to become more security conscious and actively involved in efforts to safeguard lives and property.
The appeal was made during a special Security Dialogue and Stakeholders’ Forum organised by the group at the Kola Daisi Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State. The event brought together security experts, government officials, political leaders, community stakeholders and members of the public to deliberate on practical ways of fostering a safer and more secure society.
With the theme, “Safety First: The Nigeria We Deserve,” the event focused on the belief that security is not solely the responsibility of the government and the law enforcement agencies but a shared civic duty requiring the active participation of every citizen.
Speakers at the forum stressed that creating a peaceful and secure nation begins with individuals, families and local communities. They noted that increased awareness, vigilance and timely reporting of suspicious movements and activities remain essential in tackling crime and preventing security threats before they escalate.
Addressing participants, the Deputy Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Oyo State, Department of Safety and Environmental Compliance, Dr. Okunlola Ibraheem, highlighted several reforms and interventions introduced by the government across critical sectors. According to him, the positive impact of these initiatives is gradually becoming evident and is expected to further strengthen national efforts to combat insecurity.
He urged citizens to complement government initiatives by embracing responsible civic behaviour and maintaining close collaboration with security agencies.
Throughout the dialogue, stakeholders and other resource persons educated participants on basic safety measures that can help reduce vulnerability to crime. They encouraged Nigerians to remain alert in their homes, workplaces and neighbourhoods, while promptly reporting suspicious persons, unusual movements or activities to relevant security authorities.
A recurring message during the forum was that public safety is best achieved through trust, cooperation and shared responsibility between citizens and government institutions.
According to the Director General and Convener of APC Unity Global (AUG), Hon. Prince Kayode Success Ademiluyi (KSA), and the group’s Chairperson in Oyo State cum the host, Comrade Yetunde Aderemi, the programme extended beyond just political engagement.
In their words, “the initiative was conceived primarily as a public enlightenment campaign designed to promote safety awareness, vigilance and the overall wellbeing of Nigerians at the grassroots.”
They observed that many security breaches, particularly kidnapping incidents, are often facilitated by people within victims’ social circles, including relatives, friends or trusted associates who allegedly provide information to criminal elements. This reality, they said, underscores the importance of exercising caution without undermining the values of trust and community.
In his remarks, Hon. Prince Kayode Success Ademiluyi said every Nigerian deserves to live in an environment where people can work, travel and conduct their daily activities without fear of intimidation, harassment or violence.
He emphasised on the group’s readiness for sustainable collaboration with the citizens, traditional institutions, community leaders, security agencies and governments at all levels. He also called for continued support for ongoing security initiatives, noting that collective participation remains critical to consolidating progress made in recent years.
“Our collective safety depends on the actions of every individual,” he said. “When citizens become more vigilant, more responsible and more willing to share credible information with security agencies, communities become stronger and criminal activities become more difficult to perpetrate.” Hon. Kayode declared.
The event was highlighted by the formal inauguration of the Oyo State Chapter of APC Unity Global, with representatives drawn from all 33 Local Government Areas of the state.
Beyond the inauguration, participants left with a renewed sense of responsibility and a shared conviction that building the Nigeria everyone desires begins with everyday acts of vigilance, community cooperation and a collective commitment to protecting one another.
As Nigeria continues to confront evolving security challenges, the forum reinforced a simple but powerful message: safeguarding lives and property is not the responsibility of government alone – it is a collective obligation that starts with every citizen.
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