The Chief Executive Officer, Proforce Limited, a total defence solution provider specialized in armoured vehicles and personal protection, Engr. Adetokunbo Ogundeyin, has said that the use of technology, ethical concerns among other major parameters and key indicators, are necessary if the security agencies, and by extension the country, need to prioritize identity tracking to contain crime and criminality.
Engr. Ogundeyin made the remarks while speaking as the Keynote Speaker at the just concluded National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) 2024 National Security Conference, with the theme, Connecting the Dots Between Identity Tracking and National Security in Nigeria, and held at the Oriental Hotel, in Victoria Island, Lagos.
The security expert who was ably represented by his Chief Security Officer, Mr. Abiola Lawal noted that technology has come to become the pivotal indicator in tracking identities of anyone, especially criminals, and can enhance their prompt arrest and prosecution.
“Technology plays an irreplaceable role in enabling identity tracking. With the deployment of biometric technologies such as fingerprint, facial recognition, and iris scanning, we can build a reliable, tamper-proof system,” he said.
Ogundeyin further informed that with the advent of biometric standards such as the National Identity Number (NIN), tracking identity will be a seamless endeavour, and enhance a crime-free environment.
“The introduction of the National Identity Management System (NIMS), which includes the National Identification Number (NIN), is a laudable initiative. However, its full integration across all sectors, from security to financial institutions and telecommunications, is key to maximizing its potential,” he rejoined.
A highly prolific practitioner in the security sector, Ogundeyin further propounded that the theories of privacy and ethical concerns are also great key indicators to track identity, and forestall or checkmate crime and criminality.
He opined as follows:
“As we advance in identity tracking, we must also address the ethical and privacy concerns that arise. While tracking identities is essential for national security, it must be done in a way that respects individual privacy and civil liberties.
“Safeguards must be put in place to prevent data misuse, protect against unauthorized access, and ensure that personal information is used strictly for security and governance purposes.”
Acknowledging that this is “an age where global threats transcend borders”, he insisted that technology will continue to reshape the society, while it is critical to explore how identity management can bolster the national security framework.
He stressed that the importance of identity in a secure society cannot be overemphasized, adding that “Identity is fundamental to the concept of nationhood”, and “allows for the recognition of citizens, the protection of rights, and the allocation of resources” as well as “plays a crucial role in securing the fabric of a society.”
He opined that achieving national security without understanding who is within the borders, how they interact with the system, and what risks or opportunities they present, will be impossible.
“In a country as diverse and populous as Nigeria, where cultural and religious differences co-exist, the ability to verify identities consistently and securely has never been more necessary. The threats posed by terrorism, organized crime, kidnapping, and other security challenges demand that we know who is within our jurisdiction, and that we are able to track individuals of interest in real time. This is where identity tracking becomes a critical tool,” the security expert stated.
In summary, Ogundeyin advised that for Nigeria to truly connect the dots between identity tracking and national security, the country must prioritize the Data Integration among Government agencies, including the police, immigration and financial sectors; Capacity Building and technology-driven traing for security personnel and other stakeholders; Legislative Support in dishing out Robust laws to guide the use of identity tracking systems, ensuring accountability and compliance while protecting citizens’ rights and Public Awareness to help citizens understand how their personal data will be used to secure the nation and how it can also benefit them.
A recipient of many awards, and graduate of Chemical Engineering from the University of Lagos, the Chief Coach, as he is fondly called by his staff, is an astute businessman, innovator, a leader par excellence, mentor, teacher and a minister of the gospel of Christ.
He is at the head of a conglomerate, Olakleen Holdings Limited, with over nine subsidiaries including Proforce Limited and Proforce Intelligence Systems Limited, and is happily married with children.
Engr. Adetokunbo Ogundeyin alongside other eminent security stakeholders bagged the prestigious NAOSNP Award. Engr. Ogundeyin was honoured as the NAOSNP Man of the Year (Private Security) while, Proforce Limited bagged NAOSNP Best Armoured Vehicles Brand Company of the Year Award.
Dignitaries that attended the 2024 NAOSNP National Security Conference and Awards includes; Honorable Minister of State for Police Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG Zone 2, AIG Adegoke Fayoade; Corps Marshal of Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed ably represented by Assistant Corps Marshal, ACM Adeoye Irelewuyi; Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olanrewaju Ishola Olawale; Executive Chairman of EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede ably represented by Deputy Director, Mr. Wole Ayo; Board Member of Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF, Dr. Ayo Ogunsan; Executive Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, Mayor Hon. Dele Oshinowo; CEO Badinson Security Services, Dr. Matthew Ibadin; CEO Safety Signatures, Dr. Cynthia Gregg; CEO, Lagos Bus Service Limited, Mr. Idowu Oguntona; Deputy Commissioner of Police, DC Administration, Zone 2, DCP Martin Nwogohi; DC ZCID, Zone 2, DCP Adewale Ajao; Commandant, NSCDC FCT Command, Commandant Sola Odumosu ably represented; Commandant, TRACE Ogun State, Prince Ogunyemi among others.
