In 2022, the former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Pantami, authored a book titled “Cybersecurity Initiative for Securing a Country.” The book outlined strategic frameworks any country can adopt to combat cybercrime and various forms of insecurity. When asked by journalists what prompted him to write the book, Professor Pantami, a renowned cybersecurity expert, stated that his goal was to create a model capable of protecting nations against insecurity threats and attacks.
Given the rising insecurity in both the north and south parts of Kwara State, it is imperative that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (H.E AA) adopts a similar digital security framework. The Governor should issue an executive order directing the State House of Assembly Speaker to initiate and pass a bill mandating the installation of surveillance cameras—not just in affected districts, but across the entire state.
These designated surveillance systems should be monitored by a specialized Digital Security Task Force. This task force would maintain a watchlist, closely monitoring vehicle movements, unknown individuals, and suspicious activities. Personnel should be recruited using the state’s security vote and trained to operate in collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and other relevant security agencies. This approach aligns with the initiatives outlined by Professor Pantami to curb insecurity, kidnappings, and killings.
Notably, the digital security model proposed by Pantami has already been successfully implemented by the immediate past governor of Edo State during his second term. His administration faced minimal security challenges due to prioritizing digital surveillance and proactive security technology.
Therefore, I urge Governor AA to prioritize the implementation of digital security infrastructure in Kwara. Adopting this innovative and pragmatic strategy will significantly enhance public safety and help address the growing criminality in the state.
