Mr. Darlington Edwin Okafor, Managing Director of Access Telecommunication Services Link limited, is a Nigerian security expert based in Indonesia.
In this interview with our Correspondent, Christiana Okpala, Mr. Okafor spoke on security situation in the country, his research work and other issues of national interest.
TNE: How do you assess the security situation in the country and do you think the present administration has done enough to tackle the problem?
Hopefully, the present government is doing something, but sincerely the issue of national security belongs to the experts. Basically, there are so many insecurity lapses in the country, which the government cannot contain alone, but should partner with organisations and companies. Also, security challenges are now technical and, therefore, needs technological products to curb.
TNE: What is the idea behind your research into security devices and what have you been able to discover?
I was inspired by my passion to see an end to the insecurity challenges, which has been the greatest challenge globally and which governments of every nation are striving to put a wage in one way or the other. Despite all these , thousands of lives are wasted everyday by robbers who capitalized on security loopholes to unleash mayhem on citizens.
Also, the amount of money and material things lost to robbery and banditry are monumental and could meltdown any buoyant economy if not timely checked.. Terrorism and kidnapping have been the greatest challenges and threats to nation’s economy.
Over a million people have fallen victims to their deadly explosives which could have been tracked down and dislodged if effective security systems were deployed.
The overall effect of the security lapses hinges on stagnation of economy and poverty as foreign investors are totally discouraged.
Therefore in view of the insecurity challenges confronting the world, my company has rolled out three quality products as a panacea for security problems. One of them is Anti mobile Theft Code. This is a system that is used for safe guidance and protection of mobile phone data and mobile phone devices including recovery of data from mobile device in case of telephone loss or damage. It also signals information leading to tracking and recovery of lost telephone handsets.
This system which combines efficiency with affordability of value is meant to alleviate the suffering of the victims of handset loss or theft.The second one is Hybrid Security Solution. The hybrid security solution system also known as Eagle eye stands today as the most innovative security product. This product works globally without limitation and it is handy. The product is designed to work in consonance with the police as security rapid response system that report the location of distress caller for rescue and therefore not directly open to the public. The last but not the list is the Access Data Bank.
This is a security solution that secures documents, bio-matrix data, CCTV video against unforeseen circumstances, hackers, forgery, re-authentication, fire, among others. With this, user can be sure that, their documents are secured and safe and cannot be accessed by unauthorized persons and the movement of the document can only be monitored by the user alone through the mobile phone device and desk top.
This also combines cost affordability with efficiency of service. With this product, the bio matrix and CCTV user can now keep all the video recordings with our solution for a long time as security backup and safety.
TNE: In what ways will your discovery boast the economy of Nigeria?
Discussion of Security issues are not for the public but once there is security of life and property the citizenry will be happy to invest in their country and by so doing create job opportunity for the youths, there is no way government can absorb the number of unemployed youths in the country without support from companies, research and development centers. Deploying any of the solutions will help the government to offer a crime free state and streamline insecurity in the country thereby boasting the economy of the country.
TNE: In what ways do you think government can assist Nigerians who are into research work abroad?
The government should establish research and development units and any person that has interest to go into research development should start his primary trial here and if it is unsuccessful he can apply for overseas trip based on lack of facility and knowledge because research is very expensive and time consuming. It requires government support, it is not what an individual can do alone because its trials and errors lead to success .
Nigerians who are into research abroad should update the government through the embassy and the government should support them because it will bring honour and development to the country .
TNE: An average Nigerian youth will want to travel to foreign land all in search of greener pasture, what is your advice to government because some of them lost their lives in the process of travelling out of the country through illegal means, while some who managed to cross over will engage in drug business which may also cost them their lives.
The problem is that they are not telling those youths the truth about working overseas because there is no job there, all the companies are using automated operating system to run their businesses , so there is no need for much manual work for people and more so they are struggling to reduce unemployment in their respective countries. My advice is that, government should stop multiple taxation and give support to small and medium scale industries to succeed because there is no place like home . Once the country is on the right path, our collective efforts will move the economy forward.
There should be local government entrepreneur units where by the citizens can showcase their talents and engage in genuine activities, if it’s not in place they look up to the central government to do everything and everybody want to work in the government office which is not possible.
Nigerians are very talented people and need little encouragement to boast their economy and resolve the unemployment issue. Once you are busy working there will be no reason travelling.
TNE: How do you assess the trade relationship between Nigeria and Indonesia?
I can say it’s good because most products that are coming from Indonesia are of high quality and stand for the value, most Nigerians who are into business with Indonesia can testify to that. The relationship is cordial and the Indonesian Trade Promotion Council is giving a good support to Nigerian firms who do business with Indonesia.
