ACHIEVING A SECURED NIGERIA

ROLE OF LIBRARIES AND INFORMATION PROFESSIONALS

Abstract

The article examined the security challenges in Nigeria highlighting the causes and threat factors which range from illegal immigrants, cultism, corruption, unemployment, armed robbery, terrorism, Fulani marauders as well as ethno-religious conflicts. It stressed on the importance of information to every person and that the availability of documented information helps people in solving everyday problems as well as makes informed decisions that affect their life endeavours. The concept of library and information centres was clarified in a modern way, stressing on collection organisation, and access to information so as to improve the quality of human decisions. Since libraries are essential components of education, they are also seen as agents of societal change. Without being exhaustive, roles of library and librarians in the fight against insecurity are discussed. The paper concluded that libraries are dependable allies in this fight against insecurity through partnership and dissemination of relevant and needed information.