The security of every country depends largely on how much it values the sacrifices of those who die in defence of its freedom.

And as it appears, there is no better way a country or people can demonstrate that they value the sacrifices of those who die in defence of their freedom than by ensuring that the aged dependents or nuclear family members of every security operative who dies in the line of duty do not suffer untold hardships afterwards.

In Nigeria, our security has continued to seriously degenerate in recent times, causing everyone to wonder what the security agencies are doing.

Yes, the government is doing it's best, no doubts. But the business of security is not the exclusive responsibility of government. The people as a whole have their part to play. There are private schools all over the place, but I doubt if any private primary, secondly or tertiary institution in Nigeria has the policy of providing scholarship for children of those who die in the line of duty.

No matter how brave, no security operative is willing to die in pursuit of terrorists or criminals knowing his children will drop out of school and suffer when he's gone.

No matter how brave, no security operative is willing to die knowing his family cannot afford the rents, and knowing that no one will come to their rescue when their things are thrown out by the landlords.

No matter how brave, no security operative anywhere in the world is willing to die, knowing that his wife and children will afterward drag on through life, in lack and penury without the world lifting a finger.

To my mind, the lack, neglect and uncertainties that the dependents of those who die in the line of duty face is one of the major reasons why security is becoming a major issue in Nigeria; and until we rise up as a people to address it, overcoming our security challenges in Nigeria might just remain a pipe dream.

- OJO TOLUWATOPE ALEX
Chairman and Founder,
Foundation for Families of Fallen Servicemen
https://www.facebook.com/www.familiesoffallenservicemen.org/
http://twitter.com/for_servicemen