By Sumaila Ogbaje
Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta emphasised the importance of strong institutions in addressing insecurity, stating that the police and military must be the only legitimate actors to wield violence.
He made this statement while delivering the inaugural lecture for Course 33 of the National Defence College Nigeria in Abuja on Monday.
Kenyatta stressed that the military and police must be capable and willing to secure citizens and their properties.
“This includes having the analytical ability to identify threats and effective communication to shape perceptions of the state’s deployment of violence.”
He cited pastoralist conflicts and militia formations as indicators that more work is needed.
To achieve national security and development, Kenyatta highlighted the need for effective administrative control.
He advised that government control should flow from national to grassroots levels.
Kenyatta said there was need for investment in human capital by creating social and economic pathways for youth to actualise themselves.
He also called for government’s respond to the demands of young people, who make up more than 70 per cent of the productive population.
Rear Adm. Olumuyiwa Olotu, commandant of NDC, noted that the college’s mission was to develop future leaders equipped with knowledge and analytical skills to navigate dynamic defence and security environments.
“Since its establishment in 1992, NDC has graduated more than 2,000 senior officers from various security agencies and strategic ministries.
“The current Course 33 comprises 100 participants, including 54 Nigerian Armed Forces officers, five Nigerian Police Force officers, and 18 personnel from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, as well as 23 international participants from 19 countries.”(NAN)