Posted by From MOLLY KILETE, Abuja on
The meeting of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff, Moday opened in Abuja, with a call on the service chiefs to make the sub-region safe for trade but difficult for terrorists, human trafficking and destabilization of social, political and economic programmes of legitimate government.
The meeting of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff, Moday opened in Abuja, with a call on the service chiefs to make the sub-region safe for trade but difficult for terrorists, human trafficking and destabilization of social, political and economic programmes of legitimate government.
Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mamud Yayale Ahmed, who gave the charge while declaring the meeting open at the ECOWAS secretariat in Abuja, noted that even though threats have become more diffuse and trans-national crimes proliferated, the ECOWAS sub-region must be made secured to enable member-countries harvest the dividends of democracy.
While congratulating the visionary initiative of the service chiefs for such a forum, the minister said that the quarterly meeting, which is the 22nd edition will attest to the will and readiness of West African nations to collectively face the challenges of security in the sub-region.
He also urged them on the need to place the issues that would be discussed in the four-day meeting within the context of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD).
This is on the heels of Nigeria's recognition of the need for the entrenchment of collective security for the sub-region and would continue to contribute to the process.
According to him, 'the 21st century is characterized by a number of strategic challenges which impinge on security, not only at the global level but also at sub-regional and national levels. Threats have become more diffused, technology has transformed the world into a global village with serious implications on our perceptions and the way to react to issues.
'Trans-national crimes have proliferated, requiring greater cooperation among states. The ECOWAS sub-region must therefore be made secure to enable our nations harvest the dividends of democracy. Permit me to say that the sub-region must be safe for free trade within the region and the rest of the world and most of all, it must not be available for terrorists, human trafficking and destabilization of social, political and economic programmes of legitimate governments."
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Andrew Owoye Azazi, said that the outcome of the meeting, will go a long way to advise the various governments of the region on matters bothering on peace and security.