Josemaria Escriva Foundation (JOSEF) has called for the empowerment of Nigerian families as a critical strategy for tackling insecurity and building safer communities across the country. The call was made during the Foundation’s 8th Annual Lecture Series and the official unveiling of its proposed Resource Centre Building Project, held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Chosen Hotel, Ekpoma. The event, entitled “Household Havens: Forging Safer Nigerian Communities Through Empowered Families,” attracted academics, traditional rulers, government officials, security agencies, religious leaders, civil society organisations, teachers, students and other stakeholders.
Speaking with journalists, the Chief Responsibility Officer of JOSEF, Dr. Jude Obasanmi, said the lecture was conceived to promote the integration of the family into Nigeria’s security architecture, stressing that sustainable peace can only be achieved when families are empowered to nurture responsible and productive citizens. According to him, every Nigerian has a role to play in creating a secure environment where people can live and move freely without fear. “We are witnessing situations where some families even encourage or tolerate criminal behaviour among their members. Criminals come from families. When families have access to quality education, healthcare, employment opportunities and other social services, they are better equipped to raise children who become responsible citizens rather than threats to society,” he said.
Delivering the lecture, public affairs analyst and columnist Mr. Austin Isikhuemen described the family as the first and most effective line of defence against insecurity. He maintained that while government has the constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property, lasting security depends largely on families deliberately instilling discipline, integrity, compassion and respect for the rule of law in their children. He lamented that insecurity has become a major threat to households across Nigeria, citing the increasing incidence of kidnapping, violent crimes, displacement, poverty and unemployment. According to him, between 3.6 and 4 million Nigerians are internally displaced, over 26.5 million face severe food insecurity, while thousands of kidnappings are officially recorded annually. Mr. Isikhuemen urged governments at all levels to strengthen security institutions through improved funding, equipment and welfare while simultaneously investing in education, healthcare, infrastructure, job creation and other social services that empower families and reduce the drivers of crime.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of JOSEF, Hon. Barr. J. B. Agbogun, reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to transforming lives through strategic interventions in education, healthcare, youth development, good governance and community mobilisation. He noted that since its establishment, JOSEF has remained dedicated to promoting human dignity, strengthening families and building resilient communities through sustainable development initiatives.
The Vice-Chancellor of Ambrose Alli University, Prof. Eunice Eboserehimen Omonzejie, commended JOSEF for its unwavering commitment to advancing education, healthcare, environmental sustainability and responsible governance through community engagement.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by the management of Chosen Hotel and Suites, represented by Executive Director Mr. Samson Aturu, who pledged the company’s continued partnership with the Foundation, particularly in supporting widows’ welfare and educational programmes. Representing the Onojie of Ekpoma, Elder Emmanuel Omonua conveyed the palace’s support for JOSEF’s humanitarian activities and prayed for the continued growth of the Foundation. Speaking in his capacity as National Coordinator of the Edo Okpa Unity Forum Worldwide, he also commended Dr. Obasanmi for his leadership and dedication to community development. The immediate past Chairman of JOSEF, Prof. Matthew Izibili, applauded the current Board of Trustees under the leadership of Barr. Agbogun for sustaining the Foundation’s annual lecture series and expanding its developmental impact.
The Executive Director of the Uromi Justice, Development, Peace and Caritas Initiative (UROMI-JDPCI), Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Fidelis Arhedo, described JOSEF as a beacon of hope that has distinguished itself through consistent public enlightenment, value reorientation, family development and community empowerment. Dr. Mrs. Gloria Eifideyi who represented the CMD of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital commended the Foundation for sustaining the lecture series and promised the continuous collaboration with the Foundation
Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Sunny Eseugwu, described the Foundation as a selfless organisation committed to societal transformation, noting that the lecture theme was both timely and relevant given Nigeria’s current security challenges.
A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of the proposed JOSEF Resource Centre Building Project, envisioned as a permanent hub for youth counselling, leadership development, family life education, mentorship, research and community empowerment. The project received overwhelming support from guests and well-wishers, many of whom made financial and material commitments towards its successful execution.
The Foundation said the successful hosting of the 8th Annual Lecture Series and the unveiling of the Resource Centre underscore JOSEF’s enduring commitment to strengthening families as the foundation for safer communities, sustainable development and a more peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.