Nigeria Must Prioritise Citizens' Security to Earn Global Respect – Prof. Hephzibah Ebi Suobo
By Genesis Ogiri
ABUJA – The Special Envoy of the United World Congress of Diplomats and Registrar of the International Institute of Experts on Political Economy and Public Administration, Prof. Hephzibah Ebi Suobo, has called on Nigeria to place the security and welfare of its citizens at the forefront of national governance, stressing that a nation's credibility and respect in the international community are largely defined by its commitment to protecting its people.
Speaking during an interview at the PASA 2026 Security Summit, organised under The Unity Project Nigeria at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, Prof. Suobo described security as the foundation upon which sustainable development, economic prosperity and international confidence are built.
According to him, "The first responsibility of every sovereign state is the protection of the lives and property of its citizens. A nation that guarantees the security of its people inspires confidence, attracts investment and earns the respect and trust of the international community. Nigeria must therefore continue to place the security of its citizens at the centre of national policy."
The diplomat maintained that The Unity Project Nigeria aligns with the country's constitutional ideals of national integration, peaceful coexistence and inclusive development, describing the initiative as a strategic platform for promoting dialogue, collaboration and collective responsibility among Nigerians.
He said the project reflects a shared national aspiration to strengthen unity across ethnic, religious and political divides while fostering peace, stability and sustainable development.
Prof. Suobo observed that Nigeria's presidential system of government has provided an important constitutional framework for bringing together the country's diverse federating units under one democratic order. Drawing a comparison with the United States of America, he noted that both nations operate federal presidential systems designed to accommodate diversity while preserving national unity.
According to him, "Like the United States, Nigeria possesses enormous diversity, and that diversity should be regarded as a national asset. Our constitutional democracy provides the framework for peaceful coexistence, inclusive representation and national integration. The continued success of that framework depends on strong institutions, responsible leadership, respect for the rule of law and the collective commitment of all citizens to the unity of the nation."
He commended the organisers of The Unity Project Nigeria for convening the PASA 2026 Security Summit, describing the initiative as a timely platform for advancing multi-agency, community-driven and sustainable responses to Nigeria's evolving security challenges.
Prof. Suobo noted that the summit brought together government institutions, security agencies, diplomatic representatives, development partners, traditional leaders, civil society organisations and other distinguished stakeholders to exchange ideas and strengthen partnerships aimed at promoting peace, enhancing public safety, improving border governance and reinforcing national stability.
He further advocated deeper collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, local communities and international partners, emphasizing that contemporary security challenges require coordinated action, preventive diplomacy, intelligence sharing and inclusive governance.
The diplomat expressed confidence that with visionary leadership, strengthened institutions and a renewed commitment to national unity, Nigeria possesses the capacity to overcome its security challenges and consolidate its position as a respected and influential nation within Africa and the global community.