As global trade tensions intensify among the world’s economic giants, African leaders and policymakers gathered in Abuja for the 2025 edition of the Focus Africa Leaders Forum and Awards, aimed at rethinking the continent’s economic strategy in a shifting global landscape
Delivering the keynote address, former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, emphasized the urgent need for Africa to transition from exporting raw materials to producing and selling value-added products in the global market. He stated that this transformation is essential for wealth creation, job growth, and economic sustainability.
Dr. Ikpeazu explained that the continent must begin to craft and implement a clear and strategic vision that aligns with the realities of a multipolar world where power and influence are distributed across various nations. According to him, “The time of waiting for grants and sympathy is over. We must rise and take responsibility for our future. No one else will do it for us.”
He further noted that Africa’s economic vision must transcend political transitions, urging that national development plans should be sustainable enough to outlive any single administration. He said leadership may change, but the overarching dream must continue through successive governments and citizen support.
Dr. Ikpeazu also stressed the importance of supporting small businesses and local enterprises, which he described as the backbone of African economies. He added that intra-African trade should no longer be considered optional, but rather a vital necessity for the continent’s economic future. “Step by step, with steady focus and good planning, we can build trade and manufacturing systems that will lift Africa out of poverty and hopelessness,” he said.
Also, Director of the Focus Africa Series, Professor Sucex Bright, explained that the project was established to convene high-level discussions around governance, economic policy, and the future of African development. He stated that the forum aims to spotlight transformative projects that can position the continent more prominently on the global stage.
Professor Bright noted that every African has a role to play in shaping the continent’s trajectory, and the forum provides an inclusive platform for dialogue and collaboration. He said, “We are bringing every single person to the discussion table to speak on how we can move the continent forward.”
Addressing the role of youth in Africa’s growth, Professor Bright also stated that development efforts must blend the energy of the young with the wisdom of the old, highlighting the importance of intergenerational cooperation in achieving sustainable progress.
Making a case for Forensic Science
Another critical voice at the forum was that of Director General of the Institute of Security and Forensic Studies Nigeria, Ambassador Dr. Morgan Okocha, who underscored the transformative impact of forensic science in strengthening Nigeria’s justice system and security apparatus. He emphasized that integrating forensic science into criminal investigations significantly improves the reliability and efficiency of evidence gathering and prosecution.
Dr. Okocha highlighted the recent implementation of the Evidence Act (Amendment Act) 2023 as a landmark achievement for Nigeria’s legal framework. He noted that the new law, which allows for the admissibility of digital evidence such as electronic records and signatures, brings Nigeria in line with modern investigative standards.
He also advocated for continued legal reforms and enhanced training for law enforcement officers, stressing that strategic security policies and specialized skill development are critical to overcoming emerging threats. According to him, “We have trained thousands of security personnel through our organization, Security and Forensic Studies Nigeria (SFSN), and this has greatly improved the effectiveness of criminal investigations nationwide.”
Dr. Okocha further explained that the integration of forensic science and strategic reforms holds immense promise for revamping Nigeria’s security framework. He said this combination will enable the country to address security challenges with more precision and accountability.
Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the forum, Dr. Okocha, reiterated the importance of forensic science in promoting peace and justice. He noted that his organization has trained over 10,000 security personnel, which has led to significant advancements in criminal investigations across Nigeria and other African nations.
He concluded by expressing optimism that with continued investment in forensic capacity and legal modernization, Nigeria’s security infrastructure can evolve into a more proactive, credible, and resilient system capable of delivering justice and protecting lives.
Dr. Sani Aliu Calls for Strategic Security Reform and Adoption of NESO in National Framework
Additionally, Dr. Sani Aliyu, Co-Commander-in-General of the Neighborhood Enlightenment and Safety Organization (NESO), called for urgent strategic reforms in Nigeria’s security architecture, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take bold steps in aligning the country with global and continental expectations of leadership.
Speaking at a recent leadership recognition event, Dr. Aliyu said such events play a vital role in reawakening the sense of responsibility among leaders by refocusing them on national challenges and helping them strategize more effectively for development.
Addressing Nigeria’s persistent security challenges, he explained that the country’s inability to match its growing population with adequate security personnel has left it vulnerable. “We are dealing with over 237 million people spread across 923,768 square kilometers, yet our total security personnel—including the military, police, DSS, and others—number less than a million,” he noted. “With over 10,000 porous and unmanned borders, insecurity becomes inevitable.”
He emphasized that Nigeria must live up to its position as the leader of the black race globally, recalling Nelson Mandela’s assertion that “if Nigeria sneezes, Africa catches a cold.” He added that for Africa to progress, Nigeria must first regain its strength and stability.
Dr. Aliyu commended President Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for acknowledging the need for Special Forces. He likened this move to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s creation of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to safeguard critical infrastructure.
He urged the president to take it a step further by sending an executive bill to the National Assembly to formally adopt NESO into the national security framework. “NESO has been on the frontlines, complementing the efforts of the military in the fight against terrorism. In fact, it was NESO’s idea that led to the creation of the Civilian Joint Task Force,” he stated.
Dr. Aliyu concluded by stressing that the 70,000 well-trained NESO members nationwide represent a ready force that can be deployed with minimal government spending, helping Nigeria reclaim its rightful place as Africa’s leading nation.
