The Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, on Tuesday delivered a lecture at the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS) in Abuja, where he called for greater collaboration between government institutions and non-state actors in managing security and fostering peace across Africa.
The lecture, titled “Non-State Actors in Security Management in Africa: Issues, Challenges, and Prospects for Peace and Development – The Taraba State Experience,” examined the evolving role of communities, traditional rulers, and civil society groups in peacebuilding.
Governor Kefas, drawing from Taraba State’s security experience, said that the inclusion of traditional institutions and community structures had contributed significantly to conflict resolution and peace maintenance across the state.
According to him, the complex nature of modern security challenges requires a people-centered approach rather than relying solely on conventional security agencies.
“Every citizen, every traditional ruler, every youth, every farmer, every mother must know — you are a stakeholder in peace,” the Governor said, stressing that security should be seen as a shared civic duty.
He further underscored the need for sincerity, coordination, and courage among all stakeholders, noting that genuine commitment from every segment of society would strengthen Nigeria’s resilience against insecurity.
“If we all play our part, Taraba will stand. Nigeria will stand. Africa will rise,” he declared.
Governor Kefas’s presentation formed part of the NISS lecture series designed to engage leaders, policymakers, and scholars on contemporary security issues affecting the continent.
