Africa’s Path to Peace: 18th Security Watch Awards and Conference Set for Qatar
The Africa Security Watch has sounded the alarm on the alarming rate of insecurity plaguing over 70% of African countries, leaving countless citizens living in fear and poverty. Patrick Agbambu, International Coordinator and CEO, made this startling revelation during a media briefing in Abuja, highlighting the continent’s underdevelopment due to the lack of peace and security.
“Africa has been grappling with myriad problems, and these problems emanate from lack of peace and insecurity in over seventy percent (70%) of the continent,” Agbambu stated. “With more than half of Africa engulfed in several degrees of insecurity, the continent will remain under-developed with many citizens living in fear and poverty.”
To tackle these challenges head-on, the Africa Security Watch is organising its 18th Awards and Conference, scheduled for 10-12 December 2024, in Doha, Qatar. The theme, “Developing Module for People-Centric Governance towards Enhancement of Peace and Security in Africa,” reflects the urgent need for governance that prioritises citizens’ well-being.
Renowned experts, including Professor Henri’ Fouche’, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, and Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (Rtd), will deliver keynote speeches. Thirty Crystal Award Trophies will be presented to deserving individuals and organisations across Africa, recognising their contributions to security and development.
Agbambu explained that Qatar’s value for humanity and commitment to improving lives makes it an ideal host. “This is a country that values humanity and makes an effort to add value to lives. They demonstrate that the most valuable asset of a society is the human being.”
Past awardee Pastor Chukwuma Nwokocha testified that the award motivated him to do more in his ministry. “The coming edition is going to be the best edition in comparison to the past editions. Whoever is going to be awarded in December really merited it.”
Brig.-Gen. Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd), a member of the Board of Trustees, emphasised the unique aspect of this year’s edition, with in-depth research and expert presentations. He noted that security cannot be divorced from development and that Qatar exemplifies a country that places immense value on humanity and consistently strives to improve the quality of life of its people.
The conference programme features esteemed speakers, including General Christopher Gwabin Musa, who will discuss “Nexus Between Citizens’ Socio-Economic Development and National Defence.” Other notable speakers include Mr. Babatunde Sanwo-Olu, who will share “The Lagos State Experience” in people-centric governance, and Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who will address “Tackling Terrorism and Insurgency through Non-Kinetic Operations – The Nigerian Experience.”
The 18th Africa Security Watch Awards and Conference promises to be an authentic, authoritative, transparent, rewarding, and glamorous event, offering actionable solutions to Africa’s peace and security challenges. By bringing together experts and stakeholders, the event aims to promote people-centric governance and enhance peace and security across the continent.
