IG calls for collective effort in national development

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has cautioned that national development should not be seen as the sole responsibility of the government, its officials or institutions.

Rather, he said the government, the citizens and security agencies must play their roles in the pursuit of sustainable growth and development.

The IG made this call while delivering the 2024 convocation lecture of the University of Ibadan, titled, “Unlocking Progress: The Indispensable Trio of Security, Governance and Citizens’ Responsibilities,” at Trenchard Hall of the university, on Wednesday.

The IG was quoted in a statement by the Force Public Relations Office, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, as stressing that citizens must embrace their constitutional roles, particularly upholding the imperatives of integrity, patriotism and civic engagement.

He said it was in recognising the importance of collaboration between citizens and law enforcement agencies that the police continued to harp on community policing as crucial to improving public safety and reducing crime.

Egbetokun, however, reiterated that the Nigeria Police remained resolute in achieving national security.

“National development is not solely the responsibility of government officials or institutions but a unified effort that requires interdependence of security, governance and civic responsibility.”

“These three elements work together to create an environment where policies can be effectively implemented, peace is maintained, and democratic principles are upheld.

“Building a prosperous nation requires a collective effort, with each citizen playing an active role in shaping the future of the country, opening a pathway for a more inclusive approach to development that values communal input and action,” Egbetokun said.