Council for African Security Affairs (CASA) in collaboration with the Society for Peace & Practice, Institute of Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ibadan on thursday on Organized a discussion on Nigeria Democracy and National Security.
The event which was held at International Confrence Centre University of Ibadan was themed: Nigeria and Challenges of Nationhood “
Comrade Oludare Ogunlana, the Chief Convener in his welcome remark said the essence of the conversation is to generate and share ideas on the issues of security, how it affects Nigeria and the need to produce credible leaders in the country.
” The political system in the country is still dominated by the same set of people and rather that progressing, we are having lapses and system failure in all sector hence, the need to dissect the system and find a way out of the quagmire”
Ambassador Gbenga Olawepo, they keynote adress speaker in his paper said education is a keystone in the arch of democracy while enlightenment brought about by education, liberates the human mind and spirit because ignorance breeds only slavery.
The former spokesperson for the Peoples Democratic Party PDP said
further that the educated man or woman as electorate in the democratic process, unlike the illiterate, is able to evaluate the manifesto or programmes of a political party or would-be leader. It is easier for the educated electorate to identify the sham, or fake seeker of high office during an electioneering campaign than a bunch of illiterate electorate.
“The corollary is that education can ensure the selection and election of better candidates for office in the democratic process. Summarized in few words, education can guarantee the success of democracy and assure its sustenance. Education is fundamental to and preeminent force in the preservation of democracy and the selection of good leaders”,
He however tasked Nigerians to be vast in knowledge, sound in practice, innovative and creative and committed to the highest ideas of integrity and moral probity.
Other Speakers at the event including an on air personality Edmund Obilo, Carl Oshodi, Tunde Alabi Femi Okunlola harps on the need for youths in the country to be conscious of the need to be actively involved in the selection and election process as well as show courage and determination to change Nigeria for better
