Ogunsan Advocates People-Oriented Policing for Security and Development in Africa; CDS General Musa, former CNS Gambo, Others Attend Security Watch Conference in Doha, Qatar 

By Oki Samson

The Board Member of Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan has advocated for an Africa-wide policing ideal which is built around and focused on the people of Africa. This policy, Ogunsan, noted is germane to the security and development of Africa. He spoke on the discussion theme ‘Emplacement of People-Oriented Policing for Security and Development in Africa’, National Association of Online Security News Publishers, NAOSNP can report.

Dr. Ayo Ogunsan who is also the Chairman of the Police Campaign against Cultism and other Vices (POCACOV) in Lagos State gave his submission at the 18th Africa Security Watch Conference which is currently going on in Doha, Qatar. Ogunsan’s inclusion as a subject matter expert highlights his notable contributions to security and community development in Nigeria and reinforces his commitment to fostering collaborative solutions to Africa’s security challenges.

Other distinguished speakers at the conference are Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa; Nigeria’s immediate past Chief Of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo rtd; Prof. Henri Fouche among others.

This year’s conference is themed ‘Developing Module for People-Centric Governance Towards Enhancement of Peace and Security’ seeks to tackle Africa’s most pressing security challenges by proposing actionable solutions for peace and stability.

Making a strong case for an Africa-wide policing system designed around the African people, the Chairman/CEO of Executive Group, Dr. Ayo Ogunsan noted that a people-centred policing system is critical to fostering trust, legitimacy, and cooperation between the Police and the communities they serve. ‘When we adopt people-oriented policing in Africa, our governments will be able to critically focus and address the root of national and continental insecurity such as poverty, ignorance, and inequality.’

‘Our Police officers will need to be trained and retrained to see the people that they serve as allies not as adversaries. The people also need to see the police officers as members of the same community from where the officers were enlisted and will return after retirement. There is a need for robust collaboration with local leaders, traditional institutions, community-based associations, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure sociopolitical and economic security. that contribute to insecurity.’

‘We require the support of international partners to provide technical assistance, training expertise, and material resources to make people-centred policing system in Africa.’

‘African governments would need to support knowledge sharing and community-based initiatives, promote accountability and transparency, and foster cooperation at the subregional levels such as ECOWAS, ECCAS, SADC, and at the continental body, African Union (AU). This is how to entrench an Africa that is safe, secure, and set on development.’

The ongoing 18th Africa Security Watch Awards and Conference is jointly organised by Security Watch Africa Initiatives and Stellenbosch University, South Africa. The event will also feature the Africa Security Watch Awards, which recognise outstanding individuals and organizations for their excellence and innovation in promoting security across the continent.