Bridging the Gap: Empowering Communities through Legal Awareness, Civic Engagement, and Security Innovation
The Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Justice, O.T. Olaotan Esq., has said bridging the gap between law, people, and security, communities can become safer, more informed, and more empowered.
The Permanent Secretary,Olaitan made this statement while delivering a paper at the Ota Security Summit, organized by NSCDC held at Mokland Hotel, Ota, Ogun State adding that the future of our communities rests on our collective willingness to stay informed, engaged, and secured.
According to him, "three key gaps that need to be bridged: legal, civic, and security gaps.Legal Awareness: Knowledge as the First Line of Defense:
Understanding the law is crucial for citizens to defend their rights and obey the law.Benefits: Legal awareness protects citizens from abuse, exploitation, and builds confidence in the justice system.
Importance: An informed citizen is hard to oppress and even harder to recruit into crime.
Civic Engagement: Moving from Passive Observers to Active Participants
Why it matters: Democracy thrives when citizens play an active role in shaping policies and holding leaders accountable.
Benefits: Civic engagement helps prevent crime, builds community trust, and fosters collaboration between residents and law enforcement.
Security Innovation: Rethinking How We Police
Why it matters: Security challenges require smart thinking, not just hard force.
Benefits: Community policing, partnerships, and technology can help prevent crime and build trust".
He added that Mobile apps, community radios, police town halls, and legal clinics can be used to engage citizens and prevent crime saying bridging the Gap, we must educate citizens about their rights and responsibilities, make security agencies more accessible and engaging as well encourage citizens to report crimes and provide intelligence.
Speaking, ASP Michael Akinmi said Ota, a major industrial and commercial hub in Ogun State, Nigeria, faces a myriad of security challenges that threaten the safety and well-being of its residents adding that the city's proximity to Lagos, its rapid urbanization, and socioeconomic inequality have created a complex web of security risks that require a multifaceted approach to address.
He said it is possible to achieve a safer ota if all stakeholders commit to sustained collaboration, transparent data
sharing, and proactive investment in security infrastructure
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