By Ihechi Enyinnaya
As Nigeria grapples with ongoing security challenges affecting both its economy and the lives of its citizens, government officials at all levels are being urged to prioritize the safety of students.
At the 8th Annual Conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) in Lokoja, Edutainment Communicator and Veteran Broadcaster Ms. Debrah Ogazuma emphasized the urgent need for robust security measures for students. The conference was themed “Nigeria: Tackling Insecurity, Power Deficit, and Transitioning to Digital Economy.”
Ogazuma highlighted the detrimental impact of the Chibok girls’ abduction on girls’ education, noting that female students are often the primary targets in attacks on educational institutions. She urged authorities to take decisive action to protect students and to implement support systems for girls who manage to escape their captors.
Addressing the media, she called for proactive reporting to shift the narrative surrounding these issues.
On the topic of the digital economy, Ogazuma stressed that Nigeria must embrace digitalization for economic growth, while lamenting the persistent issue of power shortages. She pointed out that innovation and engagement with younger generations are crucial for the country’s future.
“Will Nigeria allow insecurity and power deficiencies to obstruct the evolution of its economy?” she questioned.
To address these challenges, Ogazuma proposed reactivating traditional methods of involving local leaders in identifying and addressing threats within their communities. She also advocated for the establishment of small power plants in communities, a strategy that has proven effective in various states across the country.