- Author of the book, ‘Guarding Dreams: My Life in Leadership and Security’, Buduka Addey Johnson (middle), Keynote Speaker, Rear Admiral Leye Jaiyeola (rtd), and Founder and Publisher of Paperworth Books Limited, Ibiso Graham-Douglas, during the launch of the book in Lagos Thursday.
By Anthony Nwachukwu
Security experts have urged the Federal Government to repeal the Private Guard Companies Act 1986 and re-enact a new one capable of sufficiently managing the modern trends and complexities in private security business.
They noted that such review of regulatory provisions will strengthen to an exponential growth the businesses in the private security sector, which is currently valued at $37 million, and provide immense employment opportunities in the country.
In his keynote address at the launch of the book, Guarding Dreams: My Life in Leadership and Security, Rear Admiral Leye Jaiyeola (rtd) said the need for an updated Private Security Act is a germane recommendation of the book.
He stressed that the book – a memoir by Buduka Addey Johnson – is crucial in addressing the challenges within the private security industry, and suitable in enhancing leadership traits and performance among the youth.
According to him, “in the book, Guarding Dreams…, Buduka has been able to highlight very pertinent issues regarding the private security industry.
“This book is foundational as the author has spotlighted key issues like the need to review the 1986 Private Guard Companies Act, which is outdated and doesn’t reflect today’s realities.”
Though he disclosed that the minister of interior, as well as industry stakeholders were already working on this, Jaiyeola said “Buduka’s insights are critical to moving the industry forward.
“The author made some vital recommendations and showcased the prospects of the industry as she identified the possibility for an increase in demand for the private sector services, if the regulatory flaws are addressed.”
According to him, there should be a synergy between private security providers and government security agencies, the relationship complementing each other.
On her part, Buduka, who is the author and founder of EPSS Private Security Services Limited, insisted that Nigeria’s security landscape has significantly changed.
She stressed that the 1986 legislation is no longer sufficient in managing modern concepts and trends in private security and associated practices, such as risk assessment, cyber security, advisory services and journey management, among others.
Though the book chronicles her journey into the male-dominated private security industry, Buduka remarked that Guarding Dreams is not just about her life but also serves as a call to inspire young people and women in particular to break ceilings and embrace opportunities in the sector.
Buduka said she wrote the book to inspire the next generation of leaders and security professionals, adding that “leadership is not about the titles we hold but the legacies we leave behind.”
Buduka, who has spent over 17 years in the private security business, said her book unveils some vital lessons for regulations, legal framework as well as leadership approaches for businesses beyond private security sector.
While describing the current state of businesses in the private security sector as being “on life support” due to regulatory and economic challenges, she expressed optimism that the sector, which is valued at $37 million, could grow exponentially and provide immense employment opportunities in the country.
On his part, the book reviewer and Director-General of the Centre for Research, Information Management and Media Development (CRIMMD), Dr. Raphael James, recommended the book as a relevant transformational tool for the Nigerian youth, saying it dispels the myth of overnight success and rather emphasises hard work, focus and perseverance.
“This is one book that could change the lives of many young Nigerians if they are opportune to read it,” James stated.
“There are many life-shaping lessons encapsulated in Buduka’s story from her childhood experiences to schooling, divorce experience and doing business successfully in a male-dominated industry. The lessons are numerous.”
Unveiling the book, the Chief Launcher, Sobere Diri, extolled the author and endorsed the book for schools and stakeholders in the private security sector.
Also, the Founder and Publisher of Paperworth Books Limited, Ibiso Graham-Douglas, commended the fine delivery of storytelling in the book and commended the author’s writing style, which provided local context for Nigerians.
