FIC Report (Imo State)- The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has called for the creation of strong and practical community-based security structures across African countries as a foundation for a more effective and sustainable continental security framework.
Senator Uzodimma who was represented by the deputy governor of Imo state, Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru, made this call at the International Conference on Military Professionalism in Africa held at Imo State University, Owerri, Imo state.
He stressed the need to rethink security management by prioritizing grassroots participation.
Having also received an Award of Excellence from the Centre for African American Research Studies (CAARS) at the event, Governor Uzodimma commended the university’s Faculty of Social Sciences and CAARS for organizing the conference with the theme, “Military Professionalism, Peace and Security in Africa: Repositioning Security Institutions for Democratic Stability and Global Responsibility.” describing it as timely and significant.
The governor also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assisting states, particularly Imo, with resources and logistics aimed at strengthening security operations.
Addressing the role of government in Africa’s security framework, Governor Uzodimma maintained that a centrally driven approach alone cannot adequately address security challenges, rather he advocated a bottom-up model that begins at the community level and progresses through local governments and states to the national and continental levels.
According to him, Africa’s security systems have historically been designed from the top, often overlooking local communities where threats emerge and are first detected. He explained that sub national governments occupy a strategic position between security agencies and citizens and should therefore play a more active role in maintaining peace and security.
Drawing from Imo State’s experience, the governor highlighted the key measures for strengthening security to include the enactment of supportive laws, adequate funding, community engagement, technological deployment, and enhanced collaboration with federal security agencies.
He justified that his administration established a robust security network involving traditional rulers and about seven thousand (7,000) trained community-based personnel working alongside conventional security agencies, describing them as critical sources of intelligence at the grassroots level.
He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting military personnel and their families. He mentioned that the state government disbursed six million naira (₦600 million) during the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration to assist families of fallen heroes and injured service members.
Highlighting Nigeria’s contributions to peacekeeping and counterterrorism efforts across the continent, the governor noted the country’s involvement in peace missions in Liberia and Sierra Leone, as well as its ongoing efforts against terrorism in the Lake Chad Basin.
However, he emphasised that Africa’s influence on the global stage depends largely on its ability to secure its own communities. According to him, lasting stability can only be achieved through a grassroots approach that prioritizes the safety and wellbeing of local communities.
In his remarks, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), who was represented by Major General Oluremi Fadairo, General Officer Commanding the 82 Division, Enugu, stressed that national development cannot thrive in an environment of insecurity, noteing that the Nigerian military’s combination of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies has recorded significant successes in addressing security challenges.
Gen. Musa further stated that a professional military must remain disciplined and committed to democratic values and civilian authority. He highlighted Nigeria’s growing investment in local technology and innovation as essential tools for modern security operations.
While underscoring the importance of military professionalism, he maintained that security is a collective responsibility and encouraged citizens to remain vigilant and cooperative with security agencies.
The Vice Chancellor of Imo State University, Prof. Uchechukwu Chukwumaeze, in his address applauded the governor, military authorities, CAARS, and the Faculty of Social Sciences for creating a platform for meaningful discourse on African security issues at the institution.
Also speaking, the Director-General of CAARS, Prof. Nnamdi Nzenwodu revealed the university’s intention to establish a Centre of Excellence for Contemporary Strategic Studies.
In his earlier remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. A.J.K. Nwosu, described the conference as a significant platform for advancing discussions on peace, security, and development across Africa.
Highlights of the event include ; cultural performances, award presentations, and the unveiling of CAARS’ strategic development plan for Imo State University.
The occasion was attended by government officials, security personnel, academics, and students.
AKUSHIE, CHIOMA MARK HELEN.
HOC., FIC Owerri
22/ 06/2026
