GSU's Public Administration Dept Hosts Conference On Governance, Insecurity

By Najib Sani, Gombe

The Department of Public Administration of the Gombe State University (GSU), has organised the first international conference titled "Governance, Insecurity and National Development in Nigeria: Issues and Challenges".

Our correspondent reports that the conference was meant to discuss issues on improving governance, development and security in the nation with experts and stakeholders offering recommendations and solutions.

The stakeholders comprising academics, policymakers, security experts and public-sector practitioners during the conference advocated for a multi-faceted approach to tackle insecurity in the country.

Vice chancellor of the university, Professor Sani Ahmed Yauta, who declared the conference open, stated that the conference was timely and relevant and would proffer solutions to the security challenges facing Nigeria.

Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Danladi Umar, Yauta, urged participants to contribute to ongoing efforts at addressing security challenges so as to enhance peace and development in the country.

The Head of Public Administration Department of the university, Professor Matthew Funsho Bello, described the event as historic for both the department and the university. 

Bello said that the conference’s theme was pertinent in view of the complexities of the nation’s socio-economic and security challenges.

“This gathering of distinguished scholars, public-sector experts, policymakers and practitioners from across the country marks a major milestone in our collective quest to address the vexing issues affecting our national life,” he said.

According to him, the academia, security agencies and public-sector experts are duty bound to engage in constructive dialogue on how addressing insecurity and governance to drive sustainable development in Nigeria as they are all critical stakeholders.

The keynote speaker and Secretary to the Gombe State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, said good governance could enhance national security and development.

"Good governance remains a critical tool to earning citizens’ trust needed to maintain peace and to strengthen development across the country.

"Discourse around Nigeria’s governance is imperative in view of the current security challenges confronting the nation and threatening national development", he stated.

Chairman of the organising committee of the conference, Dr Lawal Abdullahi Oladimeji, said that recommendations from the conference would be given to relevant stakeholders towards enhancing national security and development.