United States’ Consul General in Lagos, John Bray, says leadership is critical for Nigeria and other nations to tackle the present threatening security challenges and other socio-economic issues. These challenges, he says, are characterised by volatile, unpredictable, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) issues.
Bray, who spoke at the ongoing ninth edition of Securex West Africa, a dedicated security and public safety event in Lagos, identified some factors that contribute to instability to include: corruption; violent ethnic conflict; population movements; exploitation of natural resources; proliferation of small arms and light weapons; state-sponsored denial of political and legal rights; economic and political instability, among others.
To deal with the issues, he put it succinctly that “the critical skills set to accomplish any strategic objective is leadership. Leadership is critical.”
He recalled an acronym he learnt in the military that helped to remember important actions, which is . J.J. DID TIE BUCKLE. This stands for: Justice, Judgement, Dependability, Initiative, Decisiveness, Tact, Integrity, Enthusiasm, Bearing, Unselfishness, Courage, Knowledge, Loyalty and Endurance.), saying, “I continue to use that acronym to help guide me in my position of leadership.”
He also identified other tools such as Patience, Persistence and Perseverance in dealing with security and other socio-economic challenges. Under patience he said things do not change quickly; “we will not achieve our objectives overnight; we cannot rush success or we risk impeding our own progress; and small steps forward will lead us to our ultimate goal.”
With persistence, he said leadership must keep moving the ball forward down the field, because even the smallest step forward would help achieve goals. Under perseverance, he said, “We cannot allow slow progress to get us down; we must persevere even when our progress is difficult.”
He also said in dealing with security issues, all aspects of culture must be brought to bear.
“If minds need to be changed in order to stem the tide of instability, if there is a culture of violence, or apathy, or corruption, the situation must change. We can effect these cultural aspects through education programs, information programs, direct contact with thought leaders and political leaders and indirect content through them with the broader population at large.”
Identifying other tools such as Communication, Cooperation and Collaboration with all stake-holders: international organizations, the international community of nations, host nations, host nation institutions and partners abroad, he said, “Just as we must approach security challenges by applying a cultural lens, we must integrate all efforts into one coordinated strategy.”
He also believed that Nigeria must seriously address the population growth, unemployment, corruption, economy, as the country was in sore need of economic diversification and the civil society must insist on transparency to tackle insecurity.
Also speaking at the event, George Pearson, the event director and regional director, Afrocet Montgomery, said Securex West Africa was the leading security and public safety event serving the West African sub-region. “It is a platform that brings together decision makers and influencers from the public and private sectors, as well as other stakeholders, to address the challenges to safety and security,” he said.
He further said Securex West Africa also provides a platform for suppliers and service providers in the Security sector to display their cutting-edge product and service offerings, and showcase the latest technology in safety and security management.
