By joshua 
The National Conference of the School of Management Studies, Kogi State Polytechnic, commenced with a call on stakeholders to discourage the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons in Nigeria.
This was the consensus of speakers at the opening of the four-day conference holding at the main campus of the Polytechnic in Lokoja.
Speaking at the event, Kogi State Commissioner of Education, Science and Technology, Wemi Jones emphasized that the issue of small arms and light weapons has generated serious concerns among the people, stressed that it should be checked if the current security challenges must be tackled.
Wemi Jones commended the present administration in Kogi State for living above board in terms of security and also praised the School of Management Studies for the choice of the topic.
Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Salisu Ogbo-Usman noted that academic institutions in Nigeria have accounts to Small Arms and Light Weapons which constitutes unrest in the academic environment.
Dr. Ogbo Usman however said his administration has tackled the challenge headlong, assuring that the institution will no longer be favourable for criminals of whatever type.
The Rector commended the Dean of the School, Doctor Joel Akowe for his sterling leadership qualities as demonstrated through the national conference with a thought-provoking theme.
In his speech, Dr. Joel Akowe said the theme of the Conference, “Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons” was chosen based on the increasing crime wave in the society.
Dr. Akowe who explained that no zone the Country was safe for habitation, opined that there was need for political will to fight the ugly trend.
He commended the Rector of the Polytechnic for creating an enabling environment and urged every one to be part of the “drop the gun project”.
The lead paper was presented by Dr. John Tor Tsuwa of the Department of Political Science, Benue State University, while Professor Hassan Saliu of the University of Ilorin delivered a key note address.