Senate President Godswill Akpabio has assured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is making steady progress in tackling insecurity across the country, expressing confidence that the security challenges facing the nation will soon be overcome.
Akpabio gave the assurance on Wednesday while receiving members of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), led by its National President, Dr. Lima Ahmed, during a courtesy visit to the National Assembly in Abuja.
His remarks were contained in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom.
The Senate President acknowledged that insecurity remains one of the country’s biggest challenges but insisted that the Federal Government is giving the issue the highest level of attention.
According to him, the recent rescue of abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State is evidence that the Tinubu administration is determined to protect Nigerians and restore peace across the country.
“As Nigerians, we are all aware of the insecurity challenges that we are currently facing,” Akpabio said.
“All I can say is that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is giving the situation its utmost attention, and that is what led to the recent release of the school children that were abducted in Oyo State.”
He added that the government was implementing several measures to improve security and urged Nigerians to remain patient as the efforts begin to produce lasting results.
“The current administration is doing a whole lot. I can assure you that very soon, the issue of security would be a thing of the past,” he said.
Akpabio also cautioned Nigerians against relying solely on information circulating on social media, arguing that many online reports do not accurately reflect the security situation in the country.
“Don’t rely on what you hear or see on social media. They are not a true reflection of what is happening in our country,” he stated.
Nigeria has continued to battle multiple security threats in different parts of the country. The North-East has faced insurgency for more than a decade, while states in the North-West and North-Central continue to experience bandit attacks, kidnappings and violent raids on communities. Some southern states have also witnessed incidents of kidnapping and communal clashes.
In recent months, several schools have been targeted by armed groups, leading to the abduction of students and teachers. Although many victims have been rescued or released, the incidents have continued to raise concerns over the safety of schools and rural communities.
The Federal Government has repeatedly said it is strengthening military operations, improving intelligence gathering and increasing cooperation among security agencies to address the challenges.
Security agencies have also intensified operations against terrorist groups, bandits and kidnappers in different parts of the country, while the government has pledged to provide more equipment and welfare support for the armed forces and other security personnel.
Akpabio’s comments come amid renewed public debate over the country’s security situation, with many Nigerians calling for faster and more effective action to protect lives and property.
The Senate President used the occasion to encourage citizens to continue supporting the government and security agencies in the fight against crime.
He said lasting peace would require cooperation between the government, security institutions and members of the public, especially through the sharing of useful information that could help prevent attacks and arrest criminal elements.
Beyond security, Akpabio also addressed the issue of women’s participation in politics, saying more needs to be done to encourage women to seek elective positions.
He, however, argued that some women who previously held public office had not done enough to support other women seeking political leadership.
According to him, the conduct of some female office holders in the past discouraged greater support for women during elections.
He said this had contributed to the reluctance of women to unite behind female candidates whenever elections are held.
Nigeria has continued to record low representation of women in elective and appointive offices despite repeated calls by civil society groups, development partners and women’s organisations for greater inclusion.
Several attempts to pass legislation aimed at increasing women’s political participation have faced challenges, while advocacy groups continue to push for policies that will improve gender balance in governance.
Many observers believe that increasing the number of women in leadership positions could help promote inclusive governance and strengthen democratic institutions.
Akpabio also pledged the support of the National Assembly for the forthcoming international Ladies Golf Tournament to be hosted at the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja.
He commended the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria for promoting sports among women and helping to develop golf in the country.
The Senate President said sporting activities play an important role in promoting national unity, healthy living and international goodwill, adding that the National Assembly would continue to support initiatives that encourage youth and women participation in sports.
Earlier, the National President of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria, Dr. Lima Ahmed, thanked Akpabio for receiving the delegation despite his busy schedule.
She formally invited him to the association’s forthcoming international golf tournament, describing the event as an opportunity to promote Nigeria’s sporting potential and strengthen relationships among female golfers from different countries.
Ahmed also expressed appreciation for the support the association has received from public institutions and private organisations over the years.
As part of the visit, she decorated the Senate President as the Grand Patron of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria in recognition of his support for the development of sports and women’s initiatives.
The courtesy visit ended with a renewed commitment by both the National Assembly leadership and the association to promote sports development, encourage greater participation of women in national activities and support efforts aimed at fostering unity and national development.