Rotary International President, Olayinka Hakeem Babalola, has stated that military action and government programmes alone cannot resolve Nigeria's security troubles. He explained that long-term stability requires community involvement, institutional reforms, and social justice.
Babalola spoke on Saturday during the All Nigeria Rotary Peace Summit held in Lagos, according to PRNigeria News. He called on state officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, security forces, civil groups, and ordinary citizens to unite in creating an inclusive and stable country.
The Rotary leader noted that Nigeria needs to look past standard security measures to fix root problems causing tension. These include weak public systems, unequal treatment, social exclusion, and poor access to basic justice and economic support.
He highlighted Nigeria's long history in international conflict resolution, pointing to past peacekeeping roles in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and United Nations missions. He stated that the country should apply those outside experiences to internal security problems.
Babalola stressed that true peace goes beyond the mere absence of conflict, explaining that it also requires strong institutions and relationships that help people live together without fear. He said peace cannot be forced from above but must be built steadily within local communities through trust and shared development goals.
He urged people to look at their personal habits and public actions, saying real national change starts with personal discipline and structural improvements. He warned that the nation cannot continue old habits and expect spontaneous improvements.
Babalola also pushed for equal rights and fairness for all Nigerians, regardless of their ethnic roots, faith, or social status. He challenged summit attendees to turn discussions into active community programmes that restore public trust in local institutions and help vulnerable groups.
