The Africa Security Watch has expressed deep concern over the alarming rate of insecurity affecting over 70% of African countries, leaving many citizens living in fear and poverty. Patrick Agbambu, International Coordinator and CEO, made this startling revelation during a media briefing in Abuja, highlighting the continent’s underdevelopment due to the lack of peace and security.
According to Agbambu, “Africa has been grappling with myriad problems, and these problems emanate from lack of peace and insecurity in over seventy percent (70%) of the continent. With more than half of Africa engulfed in several degrees of insecurity, the continent will remain under-developed with many citizens living in fear and poverty.”
To tackle these challenges, the Africa Security Watch is organizing its 18th Awards and Conference, scheduled for December 10-12, 2024, in Doha, Qatar. The theme, “Developing Module for People-Centric Governance towards Enhancement of Peace and Security in Africa,” reflects the need for governance that prioritizes citizens’ well-being.
The conference will feature renowned experts, including Professor Henri’ Fouche’, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, and Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (Rtd). Thirty Crystal Award Trophies will be presented to deserving individuals and organizations across Africa, recognizing their contributions to security and development.
Agbambu explained that Qatar’s value for humanity and commitment to improving lives makes it an ideal host. “This is a country that values humanity and makes an effort to add value to lives. They demonstrate that the most valuable asset of a society is the human being.”
Past awardee Pastor Chukwuma Nwokocha testified that the award motivated him to do more in his ministry. “The coming edition is going to be the best edition in comparison to the past editions. Whoever is going to be awarded in December really merited it.”
Brig.-Gen. Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd), a member of the Board of Trustees, emphasized the unique aspect of this year’s edition, with in-depth research and expert presentations. He noted that security cannot be divorced from development, and Qatar exemplifies a country that places immense value on humanity and consistently strives to improve the quality of life of its people.
The conference programme features esteemed speakers, including General Christopher Gwabin Musa, who will discuss “Nexus Between Citizens’ Socio-Economic Development and National Defence.” Other notable speakers include Mr. Babatunde Sanwo-Olu, who will share “The Lagos State Experience” in people-centric governance, and Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who will address “Tackling Terrorism and Insurgency through Non-Kinetic Operations – The Nigerian Experience.”
The 18th Africa Security Watch Awards and Conference promises to be authentic, authoritative, transparent, rewarding, and glamorous, offering actionable solutions to Africa’s peace and security challenges. By bringing together experts and stakeholders, the event aims to promote people-centric governance and enhance peace and security across the continent.
