Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, alongside senior military officers, security experts, legal practitioners and public affairs analysts, has confirmed participation in the maiden edition of the First Daily National Dialogue on Security scheduled for July 28 in Abuja.
Gatekeepers News reports that the event, organised by First Daily, will hold on Tuesday at the Musa Yar’Adua Centre and is aimed at providing a non-partisan platform for discussions on Nigeria’s security challenges and practical solutions to strengthen national security, promote peace and support sustainable development.
Diri will attend as the Special Guest of Honour and present a paper titled, “Governors as Chief Security Officers in Nigeria: The Bayelsa Example.”
The dialogue will be co-chaired by former Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Army Staff, General Martin Luther Agwai (Rtd), and former Bayelsa State Governor and Senator, Henry Seriake Dickson.
Also expected at the event is the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, while former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (Rtd), will deliver the keynote address.
Other confirmed speakers include former Inspector-General of Police Mike Okiro, former Presidential Amnesty Programme Interim Administrator Colonel Milland Dikio (Rtd), Tantita Security Services Executive Director Captain Warredi Enisuoh, retired intelligence officer Major Lancelot Anyanya, forensic expert Dr Yemi Onifade, Professor Yahaya Ndu, security consultant Onyekachi Adekoya, lawyer Frank Tietie and public affairs analyst Mojeed Dahiru.
Publisher of First Daily and former Bayelsa State Commissioner for Information, Dr Daniel Iworiso-Markson, described the initiative as a timely response to the country’s growing security concerns.
According to him, insecurity remains one of the greatest threats to Nigeria’s unity, economic growth and democratic development, making it necessary for leaders and stakeholders to engage in sincere, constructive and solution-driven discussions.
He said invitations had been extended to top security officials, including the Minister of Defence, Minister of State for Defence, Minister of Interior, National Security Adviser, Inspector-General of Police, Director-General of the Department of State Services, Chief of Defence Staff and the service chiefs.
Iworiso-Markson added that invitations were also sent to leading political figures across party lines, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, the Social Democratic Party presidential candidate and other national leaders.
He disclosed that socio-cultural organisations such as Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Afenifere, the Arewa Consultative Forum, PANDEF and the Ijaw National Congress had also been invited to contribute to discussions.
“The security of our nation cannot be left to the government alone. It requires the collective wisdom, commitment and collaboration of political leaders, security institutions, traditional rulers, civil society, the private sector and citizens.
“First Daily believes that the time has come for meaningful engagement that transcends political divides and places the security, unity and wellbeing of Nigerians above every other consideration. This dialogue is intended to provide that platform,” he said.
Organisers said the event would bring together policymakers, diplomats, traditional rulers, academics, civil society groups, media professionals, youth representatives and other stakeholders to examine the root causes of insecurity and recommend practical reforms to improve national security.
Iworiso-Markson expressed appreciation to the speakers, partners and supporters of the initiative, assuring participants that all logistical and security arrangements had been concluded ahead of the event. He expressed confidence that recommendations from the dialogue would contribute to ongoing efforts to build a safer and more peaceful Nigeria.
