Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, and renowned diplomat, Mohamed Ibn Chambas, are among the distinguished personalities who will participate in the inaugural Annual International Lecture of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). This event is aimed at fostering an in-depth public discussion on the pressing issues of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, militancy, and violent ultranationalism, which continue to plague Nigeria and the broader Sahel region.
In a statement released in Abuja by NAN’s Managing Director, Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, it was confirmed that the event is scheduled for October 3 at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja. General Abdulsalami, who served as Nigeria’s Head of State in 1998 and played a critical role in the country’s transition to civilian rule, will chair the highly anticipated forum. Chambas, the former President of the ECOWAS Commission and African Union’s Chief Mediator on Sudan, will deliver the keynote address on the theme, “Insecurity in the Sahel (2008-2024): Dissecting Nigeria’s Challenges—Genesis, Impacts, and Options.”
This timely lecture comes against the backdrop of escalating insecurity in Nigeria and the Sahel region, as terrorist groups like Boko Haram and other militant factions continue to destabilize both local and regional peace. Chambas, a seasoned expert in security and conflict resolution, will offer a comprehensive analysis of the root causes of these issues, their far-reaching impacts, and potential solutions for Nigeria and neighboring countries.
The event is expected to attract high-level attendees, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, members of the Federal Executive Council, prominent political figures, and senior military officers. The gathering will serve as an opportunity for these stakeholders to explore collaborative approaches to address Nigeria’s growing security concerns.
In addition to political and military leaders, the lecture will also see participation from members of the diplomatic corps, academia, and top media executives from both local and African news agencies. This broad representation underscores the international relevance of the discussion, as insecurity in the Sahel has increasingly become a global concern due to its links to migration, economic disruption, and cross-border terrorism.
Prominent traditional leaders have also been invited to lend their voices to the discourse. Among those expected are the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe. Their presence signifies the importance of integrating cultural and grassroots perspectives in finding sustainable solutions to insecurity.
