The Alumni Association of the National Institute has called for increased collaboration among institutions to combat organized crime across the African continent.
In a media statement issued by Retired Brigadier-General Sani Kukasheka Usman the National Publicity Secretary explained Ambassador Emmanuel Obi Okafor the National President delivered this crucial message at the opening ceremony of a two-day international symposium on countering organized crime in Africa, held at the Shehu Musa ‘Yaradua Centre, Abuja.
Ambassador Okafor, who was the Chairman of the occasion, highlighted the timeliness and importance of the symposium’s theme, emphasizing its relevance to the survival and prosperity of Africa. He underscored the urgent need to address the challenges posed by organized crime, citing issues within Nigeria and throughout Africa. He noted that these challenges are often exacerbated by weak institutions, a lack of collaboration, poor planning, inadequate management, insufficient accountability, and inadequate involvement of stakeholders, which subsequently lead to stunted economic growth, poverty, unemployment, and insecurity.
The President therefore stressed the necessity of developing a robust agenda aimed at establishing strong and resilient institutions and enhanced collaboration that can effectively counter organized crimes, provide remedies for victims, and ensure accountability. He reiterated that strong institutions are the bedrock of tackling organized crime effectively.
Commending the symposium's organizers, the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch, Ambassador Okafor stressed that the insecurity resulting from organized crime hinders economic growth and integration across Africa. He applauded the symposium's focus on building relevant, resilient, and sustainable institutions to address this pressing issue.
Okafor further emphasized that organized crime is a global challenge, requiring a coordinated response from various stakeholders, including security agencies, governments, and the media. He highlighted the need for holistic approaches, encompassing law enforcement, prevention, community engagement, socio-economic development, and advocacy, to address root causes of organized crime and promote value reorientation. Additionally, he urged the adoption of advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence and data analytics to enhance law enforcement capabilities and cross-border cooperation against organized crime in Africa.
He also disclosed the organization's ongoing efforts in advocacy and sensitization to promote attitudinal change, accountability, and good governance in Nigeria. He added that the institute is committed to partnering with organizations like the Centre for Transparency and Integrity Watch and other NGOs to provide indigenous solutions to emerging developmental challenges such as organized crime in Africa.
He then concluded by reiterating the call on all African countries to confront organized crime head-on, prioritizing long-term stability, inclusive development, poverty reduction, and governance enhancement. He encouraged stakeholders to commit to collaborative efforts, ensuring the rule of law and fostering a secure and prosperous future for the people of Africa.
The Alumni Association of the National Institute, comprising accomplished individuals who have graduated from the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies Kuru, is dedicated to promoting national development, and unity, and advancing Nigeria's interests.