Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has emphasized that addressing insecurity in Nigeria requires more than the use of weapons, calling instead for a grassroots-driven, inclusive approach to governance. Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Oguwike Nwachukwu, during a visit from the Management and Course 18 participants of the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS) to the Government House in Owerri, the governor stressed the need for citizen engagement and preventive strategies in combating the nation’s security challenges.

Governor Uzodimma argued that sustainable solutions to insecurity must begin with systemic reforms that empower local communities and encourage their active involvement in governance. He maintained that the widespread belief that armed force alone can resolve unrest is misleading. Rather, the governor said the focus should shift towards early intervention and strategic prevention of the root causes of insecurity.

During the visit, Governor Uzodimma expressed appreciation to the NISS for selecting Imo State as the base for their 2025 study tour. He also recounted his previous engagement with the Institute in 2020, where he delivered a lecture to show his support for their educational and security-focused mission. According to him, the progress made in addressing insecurity in Imo State has been largely due to effective governance and proactive measures.

Commandant Joseph Odama, who led the NISS delegation, explained that their presence in Imo was part of their annual security training, themed “Non-State Actors in Security Management in Africa: Challenges and Prospects for Peace and Development.” He said participants were drawn from 22 Nigerian agencies and seven from five African nations—Ghana, Gambia, Chad, Rwanda, and Somalia. These participants, who hold senior positions, visited all three geopolitical zones of Imo State—Owerri, Orlu, and Okigwe—as well as state-owned tertiary institutions to gain firsthand insight into local security dynamics. Odama commended the state’s infrastructure development and praised the governor for the hospitality extended to the team.