By Chesa Chesa
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (NC), Abiodun Essiet, has joined the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, to receive participants of a study tour from the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji in a move aimed at strengthening national security through grassroots collaboration.
The study tour, themed “Promoting Community Engagement for Enhanced National Security and Prosperity,” underscored the growing recognition of community-based approaches as critical to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges and fostering sustainable development.
During the visit, an interactive engagement session was held between the participants and key government officials. The session provided a platform for robust discussions on practical strategies for tackling insecurity through inclusive governance, community participation, and inter-agency cooperation.
Dr. Essiet also held a separate engagement with the State Security Service (SSS), focusing on improving collaboration between security agencies and local communities. The discussions centred on building trust, enhancing intelligence gathering, and addressing emerging threats through coordinated efforts.
Speaking at the engagements, Dr. Essiet emphasised the importance of trust-building and strategic partnerships in achieving lasting peace and development. She noted that effective community engagement remains a vital tool in bridging the gap between citizens and security institutions, while promoting stability and national prosperity.
The engagements further highlighted the need for sustained cooperation among government institutions, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and other security agencies in advancing policies that support unity, peacebuilding, and socio-economic development across the country.
