Restoration of values, key to winning war against insecurity — Don

A lecturer with Olabisi Onabanjo University, (OOU) Ago Iwoye, Dr. Richard Aborishade has said that winning war against insecurity challenges bedeviling the country would require the resuscitation of our long abandoned strong family values of hardwork, diligence, uprightness, hatred for sudden wealth among others.

Dr. Richard Aborishade disclosed that the destruction of these highly cherished values are at the heart of rising various insecurity challenges confronting the country saying that the nation must go back to embracing these strong family values to win the war against insecurity.

The University Don made this call recently while speaking at a security seminar with the theme: “The Government Economic Policies and Insecurity Challenges As It Affects Betting Business,” organised by Betnaija.

Security Agents in attendance at the one day seminar included The Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) TRACE, Amotekun Corps, Directorate of State Security (DSS) So-Safe as well as Vigilante among others.

The University lecturer explained that, “While Government may not have done enough to fight against the problem of insecurity in the country, the hope of ever winning the war against all these security breaches remain forlorn. This is because of the decadence at the family level.

“We now see parents encouraging their children to take to crime, parents are no longer worried that their children have suddenly become millionaires with no tangible source of livelihood. Diligence and hardwork now means nothing.

“Ritual killings, cybercrimes, kidnapping are all on the increase because what matters most now in the society is money, have it anyhow, none seems to care. To make the matter worse, the parents you want to report to are the one urging on their children. We must all go back to strengthening those strong family values or else something more disastrous is lurking around the corner.”

Dr. Aborishade described betting industry as one of the highest contributors to our growing economy contributing an average of $2billion daily.

He said that betting industry has not only contributed to helping to provide thousands of jobs for teeming Nigerians but has also help to fight poverty and economic inequality as it helps to redistribute wealth.

Rather than displaying unnecessary hostilities to those who are into betting business, Dr. Aborishade urged the security agents to always support them within the ambit the law as they are not only operating a legitimate business but they are also making huge difference in the country’s economy.

Speaking at the programme, the leader of the Betting Agents from the four Local Governments of Remo North, Ikenne, Ijebu North and Odogbolu, Comr. Adesegun Akinbowale said the whole essence of the seminar was to further deliberate on insecurity as it affects their betting business and then proffer the way forward.

Akinbowale said that, “The Annual seminar also served as opportunity to rub mind with the security agents and appreciate them for their invaluable roles towards ensuring that there is peace across the country saying that “after all, we all know that no business could thrive in an unsafe atmosphere.”

Mr. Alade Surulere one of the organisers described betting business as very lucrative explaining that, “This is a legitimate and very good business for anyone that is interested, you will earn your livelihood without any stress. This is why I am begging those youths who are engaging in crime to make money to please desist from it today before it is too late. In the midst of other things they could do, I urge them to try betting business and they won’t regret it.”

Mr. Alade also urged the security agents to remain partners in progress with those into betting business maintaining that such partnership and cooperation would no doubt continue to engender a safe atmosphere for them to keep operating their business.

He said, “While it is definitely not good to be bet addict but you can bet responsibly and make good money for yourself. I know of several people today whose capital for their various businesses were from their bet winnings, so, betting is really helping to empower many people across the globe.”