Public Safety Key To A Secure, Functional Society-Rep. Gumi
By Juliet Vincent
The chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Safety Standards and Regulations, Rep. Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi has stated that, public safety is an important cornerstone that determines a functioning society.
Gumi who is the member representing Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency of Zamfara State in the House of Representatives stated this in a keynote address at the International Conference and Awards on Health, Safety, Security and Emergency Response Ready (SafERR) organised by Global Institute, held in Lagos on Friday.
The lawmaker who gave the address on ‘Public Safety, Emergency Management and Environmental Sustainability’ emphasised that, Nigeria needs to adopt e-governance and policy framework, e-health and smart healthcare, Artificial Intelligence (AI) as well as other precision and intelligence technologies in all socio-economic sectors of the country.
He said”Public Safety is the cornerstone of a functioning society. It ensures that our communities are protected from crime, disasters, and accidents.
“However, public safety extends beyond mere response; it encompasses proactive measures, community engagement, and the creation of environments where people feel secure.
“As we advance in technology and data analytics, we must use these tools not only to predict and prevent threats but also to foster trust and cooperation between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
“Emergency Management is the structured approach to handling disasters and crises. It involves preparation, response, recovery, and mitigation. Effective emergency management requires robust planning and coordination across all levels of government and community organizations.
“The lessons learned from past events underscore the importance of having resilient infrastructures, clear communication channels, and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing situations”.
The lawmaker who was awarded with the fellow of Global Institute during the conference, further added that, by integrating technological innovations and fostering strong public-private partnerships, Nigeria can enhance its preparedness and response capabilities.
Rep. Gumi added, “Environmental Sustainability is increasingly recognized as an essential component of public safety and emergency management. Our environmental health directly affects our vulnerability to natural disasters and the overall quality of life.
“Sustainable practices—such as reducing carbon emissions, conserving resources, and protecting ecosystems—are not just ethical imperatives but practical necessities. Climate change, for instance, intensifies the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, making it imperative that we adopt strategies that mitigate environmental impact and build resilience against such threats.
“The intersection of these fields highlights the need for a holistic approach to safeguarding our future. For instance, integrating sustainable practices into urban planning can enhance resilience against natural disasters. Similarly, incorporating public safety considerations into environmental policies ensures that both people and ecosystems are protected”.
He further noted that, in order to ensure citizens engagement, Nigeria must promote oIT governance and ethics, industrial revolutions, build critical National Infrastructure, improve Digital economy, embrace future of work which include Ergonomics and Smart Culture as well as scale up innovative skills and sustainable productivity.
He said, “To further note that there is need to advance e-governance and policy framework, e-health and smart healthcare, Artificial Intelligence and applications, precision and intelligence in all sectors of the economy (Agriculture, security, safety, health, surveillance, education, etc).
“Through these innovations we shall have Smart, Secured, Safe and Sustainable environments for the public/citizens at large”.
Rep. Gumi however observed that, advancing in Public Safety, Emergency Management, and Environmental Sustainability requires collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to long-term thinking.
He said, “By working together and leveraging our collective expertise, we can build more resilient communities, protect our environment, and ensure a safer future for generations to come”.
The Deputy Chairman House Committee on Safety Standards and Regulations, Rep. Harrison Anozie Nwadike and the Clerk, House Committee on Safety Standards and Regulations, Mrs. Ike-Onuigbo, Chinyere Gift also received awards at the conference.
