On the 26th January 2023, His Excellency, the Osun State’s number one citizen, Governor Ademola Adeleke, in his statement intensified enhanced partnership with local and multinational firms for direct investment in the heart of the South West of Nigeria’s economy.
Then, what has changed?
Insecurity in the state has become something of grave concern to all well-meaning citizens, most of who continue to wonder how the Land of Virtue arrived at such a dastardly situation where no one is safe. And worse still, rather than abating, the problem is escalating and the matters arising is a recurring phenomenon that threatens the well-being of its citizens.
In the past months, Osun state has hijacked the structure of insecurity from Ondo and Ekiti states.
These states are well known for kidnappings and other vices, according to reports but in recent days, Osun state has become the leading state in the South-West of Nigeria. This is plagued by a surge in kidnappings, thuggery, domestic crimes, extrajudicial killings and petty robberies.
The state of insecurity in Osun state has assumed a soft spot in political stance and it has claimed extensive damage and loss of property.
I am aware of the efforts of Security Operatives; kudos to your efforts to make the state clean and free of the operations of the hooligans, with more strength and capacity to do more.
Where did it all start?
Since the era of the 2020 electioneering campaign, the state has birthed the situation of thuggery; later, after the election, turned to petty robberies and at the same time, kidnapping took over even in the State capital, OSOGBO and other communities in the State!
The State Government’s inability to curb the insecurity on time since the day of Governor Adeleke was sworn in, at the stadium when sporadic shootings were the order of the day after the ceremony in the city, gave headroom for their rapid expansion and replication despite the pressure from residents.
However, absolute poverty, illiteracy, and neglect of the Youths in the state created ready pools of recruits that found solace in the use of ammunition.
The Impact of Insecurity on the Economy
According to experts, insecurity affects economic growth by drying out investments, increasing unemployment, and dwindling government revenue, among others.
The impact of insecurity is reflected in the performance of macroeconomic indicators, investment inflow as well as economic performance.
The insecurity challenge also affected other sectors in terms of government revenue allocation, as the security budget will continue to increase.
Also, don’t be surprised that owing to this hotspot activity threatening peace and security, in the State, people will be forced to move to safer locations outside the state if the situation persists. And you know what it means, a setback for the state revenue.
Solutions to Curb insecurity
The possible and viable solution is to solve the unemployment problem. This is critical to ensuring a safe society with progressive and productive individuals working hard to make the state great.
There is a need to reconsider the sacked Teachers; the sacked 10,000 Youths in the state metamorphosed into the introduction of the Imole Youth Corps. The truth is, Imole Youth Corps is not enough; the creation of a permanent job, training and REHABILITATION OF THUGS will do. There must be room for grants or loans to youths for business startups.
My findings revealed that Local Governments across the State need staff; look into this area Your Excellency.
To be secured, we must revamp our leadership recruitment criteria and stick to them religiously and honestly. There is a need to interrogate the type of education that we are giving to our younger generation. Is it the one that guarantees our safety tomorrow or the one that will pull us deeper into insecurity? These are the factors we must consider critically.
©Bright Gbotemi is the Publisher of Voice Air Media.