Put Nigerians First: Don Challenges Government at McPherson University’s 2nd Inaugural Lecture

McPherson University, Seriki Sotayo, Ogun State, has held its second inaugural lecture, where the government was charged to prioritise the welfare of Nigerians in its foreign policy decisions. The lecture was delivered by Professor Kenneth Chukwuemeka Nwoko, Professor of History and International Relations.

The lecture, titled Nigeria’s Peacekeeping and Regional Security Engagements since 1960: Balancing National Interests and International Commitments, was held under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Francis Igbasan, and attended by members of the university community, friends, family, and well wishers.

Professor Nwoko examined Nigeria’s role in peacekeeping and regional security across Africa. He traced the country’s involvement from the Congo operation in 1960 to interventions in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Mali under ECOWAS, the African Union, and the United Nations.

While noting that Nigeria has played a major role in promoting peace on the continent, he said the country’s involvement has come at significant cost, including huge financial spending and loss of lives. He added that many observers believe Nigeria has given more than it has gained from these engagements.

He therefore charged the government to adopt a “Nigerians first” approach in its foreign policy. He also called for better planning, stronger collaboration with regional organisations, and ensuring that peacekeeping missions align with the country’s capacity and national interest.