A security expert, Prof. Olufemi Olufunmilade, has called on Nigerians to seek elementary knowledge of intelligence gathering to help tackle security challenges confronting the nation.
He made the call on Thursday while delivering the 25th Inaugural Lecture of Igbinedion University Okada (IUO) with the topic: “Foreign Intelligence: The Means to Advancing Nigeria’s Security and Prosperity”.
Olufunmilade, Director, Centre for Contemporary Security Affairs, IUO, added that most Nigerians were ignorant of elementary knowledge of intelligence gathering beyond using Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras.
He said Nigeria was going through its worst experience in terms of national security and economic prosperity since independence.
“Since independence, six decades ago, it is only security personnel, comprising the military, police, intelligence and allied security agencies that have access to educative and instructional materials on intelligence,” he said.
Olufunmilade, a professor of International Relations and Strategy Studies, noted that every Nigerian should be actively involved in securing his or her community.
“This nation is at a stage where security has become too important to be left in the hands of security practitioners alone.
“In this regard, knowledge of security needs to be liberalised.
“That is, it should be accessible to all and sundry and should not be hoarded and treated like the exclusive preserve of security agencies.
“This lecture, therefore, seeks to bridge the gap of knowledge of the Nigerian public in an aspect of security management that is of absolute importance in the overall security architecture of any nation.
“Intelligence is a sin qua non. Any security arrangement not backed up with intelligence is hollow,” Olufunmilade said.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of IUO, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, eulogised Olufunmilade for his contributions to research and teaching within the Nigerian military.
According to the VC, Olufunmilade contributes articles to the Nigerian Army Journal and Journal of the Nigerian Army War College on nuclear weaponry, biological warfare, and foreign intelligence.
“The Guardian Newspaper published his first article on 20 July 1991 with the title: ‘On Afro-Pessimism and Pan-Africanism’.
“This was the beginning of a prolific practice of freelance journalism, not only with The Guardian but as well with other newspapers.
“He was a visiting professor to the Command and Staff College, Jaji, where he lectured on Terrorism and Counter-terrorism,” Ezemonye said. (NAN)
