Convergence of African Communication Systems with Information and Communication Technology and National Security

Author : Austen Sado

Abstract :The pervasive nature of insecurity in Nigeria with its enormous challenges to national development has made the investigation of the relationship between African Communication Systems and ICT in security management a necessity in present day Nigeria.African cultures are replete with practices that compel community members to be responsible for the the safety and security of others and the community. The worship of deities which command obeisance among members of the community is compelling and attractive. With a large population of rural people who are deeply rooted in African Traditional Systems of worship, it is a contradiction that insecurity is the greatest challenge facing the peoples of Nigeria. A study of the relationship between traditional Communication Systems and ICT for the purpose of stemming the tide of insecurity is a valuable exercise. To what extent has the extra mundane patterns of Communication leveraged on ICT in the fight against insecurity manifesting as banditry, kidnapping for ransom, terrorism and other violent crimes in Nigeria. This study will be guided by the Technological Determinism theory, and will adopt the survey method, with focus group discussions among professionals in the Communication sector. Preliminary findings suggest a significant contribution of ICT to the objective of stemming the tide of insecurity in Nigeria. African cultures are replete with practices that compel community members to be responsible for the the safety and security of others and the community. The use of deities which command obeisance among members of the community is an effective and almost compelling power to achieve any development objective including security. To deploy ICT and rural communities in communicating the evil of insurgency and over all security objectives will be a very strong impetus in the fight against all form of criminality ravaging our communities and country.

Keywords :African communication systems, ICT, security management, Nigeria, traditional practices, insurgency, community safety

Conference Name :International Conference on Media, Communication & Film (ICMCF-24)

Conference Place Miami, USA

Conference Date 20th Nov 2024