In a landmark gathering held in Asaba, a wide array of stakeholders from Delta State came together to forge a united front against terrorism, kidnapping, and other criminal activities. The summit, convened by the state government, saw participation from heads of security agencies, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society groups, youth and women organizations, and members of the business community. Their shared goal was to deliberate on strategies to bolster peace and security across the state.
During his keynote address titled “Security: A Collective Responsibility,” Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori emphasized that safeguarding lives and property is the bedrock of sustainable development. He argued that no society can flourish amid fear and instability. “Security remains the foundation of every prosperous society. Without peace and stability, economic growth slows, investments decline, and communities struggle to thrive,” he stated. The governor underscored that while government and security agencies bear constitutional duties to enforce law and order, enduring peace can only arise from collaboration among all sectors of society.
Oborevwori called for enhanced public cooperation with security forces, highlighting the critical role of intelligence gathering and prompt information sharing. He remarked, “If you don’t share information, security agencies are not magicians. They operate based on intelligence and credible information. Criminals thrive when communities remain silent and stakeholders work in isolation. The strongest security systems are built on trust, cooperation, vigilance and timely sharing of information. If you see something, say something.”
The governor also issued a resounding condemnation of all acts of terrorism across Nigeria, reaffirming Delta State’s commitment to standing against terror until the nation is fully safe. He urged every resident to be security conscious and to report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies, asserting that collective effort can enhance community peace and security.
Earlier, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, explained that the summit was organized in response to escalating security concerns nationwide and the imperative for proactive engagement with key stakeholders. He noted that the event aimed not only to identify security challenges but also to craft actionable solutions to strengthen peace and security throughout Delta State.