By Sumaila Ogbaje
Stakeholders have called for stronger collaboration between corporate organisations, security agencies, and local communities to enhance security and social development at the grassroots level.
They made the call during a Community Security Dialogue organised by the Pan-African United Development Network (PAUDEN) held on Saturday in Katampe, Abuja.
The security dialogue was organised to promote synergy between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and community policing initiatives.
The Convener of the Network, Amb. Habib Mohammed, said the event was aimed at linking CSR programmes with community security priorities to reduce vulnerability and youth restlessness.
According to him, you cannot tackle security without starting from the community.
He noted that many community members are often excluded from corporate or government interventions despite being directly impacted by insecurity.
“Our goal is to connect CSR with security, because corporate social responsibility in one way or another affects everyone.
“We stand as a link between the people and the institutions.
“We identify the problems, highlight the vulnerable groups, and connect them to organisations or individuals willing to support through CSR,” he said.
Mohammed said that part of the initiative includes identifying unemployed youths, widows, and out-of-school children for empowerment through skills training, entrepreneurship, and educational support.
He added that addressing socio-economic needs at the grassroots would reduce crime and insecurity.
“To curb youth restiveness, we must engage young people who have no jobs or means of livelihood.
“CSR must be channelled where it matters most to those communities most affected by poverty and insecurity,” he said.
He disclosed that the network would continue to generate monthly and quarterly security and development reports from communities like Katampe to help direct corporate interventions to the right targets.
In his remarks, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Katampe, CSP Hilary Unong, commended the initiative and urged residents to sustain partnership with the police for peace and orderly conduct, especially ahead of the forthcoming elections.
According to him, it is in the interest of the Commissioner of Police and the Inspector-General of Police that we engage our people directly to sensitise them for peaceful elections.
Unong said that the Katampe Division had maintained steady collaboration with traditional leaders, vigilantes, and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) to ensure relative peace in the area.
He revealed that the division had created security sectors within the district, each with a local security committee reporting directly to the police, as part of efforts to deepen community policing.
“We have worked closely with His Royal Highness, the Hakimi, and community chiefs to sustain peace.
“For those who violate the law, we ensure they are arrested and prosecuted to serve as deterrence.
“Our visibility patrols complement these local security structures to ensure that every part of the district remains safe,” he said.
The DPO cautioned political actors and youths against violence during campaigns, emphasising that elections should not be treated as a do-or-die affair.
Unong assured residents that the police station remained open and accessible, promising confidentiality and fair treatment for all.
The District Head of Katampe, Alhaji Adamu Diga, commended the organisation for the initiative, assuring that the community would continue to collaborate with relevant security agencies to achieve peace
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The event brought together traditional rulers, security operatives, civil society actors, and corporate representatives who expressed readiness to collaborate on community development and security initiatives. (NAN)