Stakeholders from government, the legal profession, traditional institutions and the media, finance and other sectors converged in Akure, the Ondo State capital, for the fourth Yemie Fash online news platform Interactive Session and Dinner, where participants renewed calls for collective action to tackle insecurity and strengthen democratic governance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the event, Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, urged Nigerians to place the nation’s interest above personal considerations, stressing that patriotism, unity and collective responsibility remain essential to achieving lasting peace, security and sustainable development.
The event brought together policymakers, security experts, legal practitioners and other stakeholders to examine Nigeria’s security challenges and their implications for governance, economic growth and credible elections.
Delivering the keynote address, former Vice-Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Prof. Femi Mimiko, mni, warned that Nigeria’s aspiration for credible elections and sustainable development would remain difficult to achieve unless the country’s worsening security challenges were addressed through comprehensive reforms.
According to Mimiko, insecurity, economic development and the conduct of the 2027 general elections are critical national issues requiring urgent attention. He noted that meaningful reforms of the nation’s security architecture are essential to safeguarding democracy and promoting national progress.
Earlier, Chairman of the Organising Committee, Adeolu Gboyega, described the annual gathering as a platform for stakeholders to interrogate pressing national issues and generate practical ideas that would strengthen governance and advance national development.
The Host of the programme and convener of Yemie Fash Online News platform, Oluyemi Fasipe, said the annual interactive session was created to encourage meaningful conversations on issues affecting the country while providing practical solutions to Nigeria’s socio-economic and political challenges.
In a goodwill message, the Minister of Finance, Prof. Taiwo Oyedele, represented by his Special Adviser on Media Strategy, commended the initiative, describing it as a timely platform for national dialogue and policy reflection.
The event also featured the official launch of Citizens Volume News, a subsidiary of Yemie Fash Media, as well as the public presentation of “The Voices of Ondo,” a book authored by Oluyemi Fasipe. The book was unveiled by the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.
Also speaking, an aide to the President of the Senate and Administrator of the YFON Platform, Ewatomilola Owoeye, expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome its current security challenges. She urged citizens to continue supporting efforts aimed at restoring peace, strengthening democratic institutions and advancing national development.
Panellists at the event included the Ondo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo; Member of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Moyinoluwa Ogunwumiju; finance consultant, Chief Akindele Omole; former Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Wunmi Olatunji-Ohwovoriole; the Jegun Olu-Ekun of Ile-Oluji Kingdom, Oba Olufaderin Oluwole Adetimehin (Jimoko II); a representative of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police; and the Ondo State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Oluyemi Ibiloye.
The panellists unanimously emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among governments, security agencies, traditional institutions and citizens to effectively combat insecurity, safeguard democratic values and ensure a more secure and prosperous Nigeria.