IBADAN – The Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP) has called for a broader, people-centred approach to security governance in Nigeria, as scholars, security experts, policymakers and peace practitioners converged on Ibadan for the society’s 20th International Conference and General Assembly.

The Opening Ceremony, Induction and Awards programme took place on Tuesday at Lead City University, Ibadan, under the theme “Security Governance and Global Dynamics.” Participants examined emerging security challenges and their implications for peace, development and social stability.

•Keynote: Security Must Begin with Citizens’ Daily Needs

Delivering the keynote address, former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, urged federal and state governments to redesign Nigeria’s security strategy around citizens’ everyday needs, including food, employment, healthcare and education. He cautioned that poverty and unemployment, especially among young people, could create fertile ground for extremist recruitment.

Egbetokun stressed that insecurity cannot be addressed by military and policing responses alone, but requires tackling underlying governance failures. He called for policing reforms, stronger institutional accountability, and clearly defined roles for federal, state and community-level security structures.

•Global Uncertainty Raises the Stakes

In his welcome remarks, SPSP President, Professor Benjamin Aluko, said the conference was convened amid growing global uncertainty, protracted conflicts, ethno-religious tensions, extremism, state fragility and weakening institutional capacity. According to him, these trends have placed security governance at the centre of efforts to advance peace, justice, human rights, development and social order.

•Host Institution Emphasises Inclusive Governance

Declaring the conference open, the Vice Chancellor of Lead City University and host of the event, Professor Kabiru Adeyemo, noted that security goes beyond protecting territorial borders. He said it also encompasses access to justice, public trust, economic opportunity and social inclusion.

Adeyemo added that weak governance creates conditions in which insecurity thrives, while accountable, inclusive and responsive governance sustains peace. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to peace education, good governance and national development, noting that universities must produce not only graduates, but also problem-solvers, peacebuilders and ethical leaders.

•A Platform for Broader Dialogue

The conference offers stakeholders a platform to examine security governance through a wider lens, connecting it with development, human rights, social cohesion and environmental sustainability.