Amid Nigeria’s worsening security challenges, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has said the responsibility of protecting lives and property can no longer rest on government alone, calling on citizens to play a more active role in tackling insecurity.
He made this known at the 2026 Maris Annual Public Service Lecture in Asaba, represented by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Kingsley Ashibuogwu. The governor described insecurity as a serious threat to national unity, stressing that closer cooperation between citizens and security agencies is now essential.
“Security is no longer solely the government’s responsibility,” he said, advocating for stronger community policing and better intelligence-sharing at the grassroots level.
Oborevwori noted that while his administration continues to support security agencies, a more collaborative and community-driven approach is needed to effectively address the crisis.
The lecture, themed “Insecurity: The Bane of Nigeria’s Unity and Progress,” brought together policymakers, academics, and security experts, many of whom agreed that traditional methods are no longer sufficient.
In his keynote address, former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd), described insecurity as the biggest threat to Nigeria’s survival, linking it to long-standing political and historical divisions.
He warned that without a deliberate effort at national reconciliation, security measures alone would not deliver lasting results.
“Insecurity undermines both unity and progress,” Irabor said, pointing to issues such as separatist agitations in the South-East, farmer-herder clashes, and tensions over resources in the Niger Delta.
He also highlighted the economic impact, noting that Nigeria has made progress in just 34.6 percent of key Sustainable Development Goals, while food insecurity has worsened since 2015.
According to him, poverty, hunger, and unemployment have increased due to factors like displaced farmers, unsafe markets, and declining foreign investment, all of which continue to weaken the economy.
Irabor recommended better coordination among security agencies using modern technology, expanded social welfare programmes, police reforms, and stronger civic education.
He also called for a national reconciliation framework to address growing social and political divisions, especially among young people.
Earlier, the event chairman and former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Dele Ezeoba (rtd), praised the organisers for sustaining the lecture series in honour of the late Stella Maris Egugbo, describing it as an important platform for national dialogue.
While noting that security is primarily a government responsibility, he stressed that citizens must also stay vigilant and involved.
In his remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, commended the speakers and highlighted the need to guide young people, noting that their choices can either fuel or reduce insecurity.
He added that the state government has introduced several empowerment programmes in agriculture, business, and skills training to keep youths productively engaged.
Other speakers, including former DSS Director Mike Ejiofor and several academics and professionals, also shared insights on how government and stakeholders can work together to address insecurity.
Secretary of the Maris Trust Council and Senior Special Assistant (Media) to the Governor, Fidelis Egugbo, thanked participants for their continued support, noting that the lecture series plays a key role in encouraging meaningful public discussions.
The event drew top government officials, security experts, civil society groups, and journalists, including members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, led by Chairman Churchill Oyowe, among other dignitaries.
