There is an old saying that anyone can identify a problem, but it takes genuine leadership to become part of the solution. That is why I believe what Prophet Isa El-Buba the Founder of Evangelical Biblical Outreach Ministries International (EBOMI), has done in Jos deserves not only commendation but also serious national attention.
By Shu’aibu Usman Leman
There is an old saying that anyone can identify a problem, but it takes genuine leadership to become part of the solution. That is why I believe what Prophet Isa El-Buba the Founder of Evangelical Biblical Outreach Ministries International (EBOMI), has done in Jos deserves not only commendation but also serious national attention.
At a time when insecurity continues to dominate national discourse and many Nigerians have grown weary of promises that rarely translate into meaningful action, his intervention reminds us that leadership is ultimately measured not by rhetoric, but by the willingness to make a tangible difference.
For years, Nigerians have lamented the worsening security situation across the country. We criticise governments at every level, question the effectiveness of our security agencies, and express outrage whenever innocent lives are lost.
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Much of that criticism is justified, yet I have often wondered whether we have become too comfortable identifying problems while expecting someone else to solve them. It raises an important question, beyond speaking about insecurity, what can those who possess influence, resources, and goodwill do to help protect their communities?
On Thursday, 30 July 2026, Prophet Isa El-Buba answered that question with action. By commissioning 20 security outposts, 10 security motorcycles and a CCTV surveillance network across strategic locations in Jos North Local Government of Plateau State, he demonstrated that citizens need not wait for government before making lawful and constructive contributions to public safety. Through the Peace Ambassadors Joint Task Force, trained volunteers have been equipped to support community security in collaboration with the relevant security agencies. Whether measured by its scale or by its intent, the initiative reflects a practical commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
What impressed me most, however, was not simply the infrastructure unveiled, but the thinking behind it. Prophet El-Buba openly acknowledged that the Nigeria Police Force and the Armed Forces, despite their courage and sacrifice, cannot by themselves meet the enormous security challenges confronting the country.
That observation is neither a criticism of our security institutions nor an excuse for government to abdicate its responsibilities. Rather, it is a recognition that security is strongest when communities, responsible citizens, and public institutions work together in pursuit of a common objective.
Equally significant was his insistence that those serving under the initiative must uphold discipline, integrity, and accountability. Community-based security can only earn public confidence if it operates within the law, respects human rights, and complements the work of established security agencies.
Encouragingly, the positive response from the police and local community leaders suggests that this initiative has been received in exactly that spirit. It is a reminder that collaboration, rather than competition, offers the best path towards safer communities.
Beyond celebrating Prophet El-Buba’s efforts, I believe there is a broader lesson that deserves national reflection. Nigeria is blessed with successful entrepreneurs, business leaders, philanthropists, traditional rulers, and religious organisations whose influence extends well beyond their immediate constituencies.
Every year, enormous sums are invested in projects that bring prestige or recognition. There is nothing inherently wrong with that. Yet one cannot help imagining how different our communities might become if more of those resources were intentionally directed towards lawful initiatives that strengthen security, improve education, expand healthcare, or create opportunities for young people.
Such investments may not always attract headlines, but they leave a lasting legacy. This is why Prophet El-Buba’s appeal for Nigerians blessed with resources to support security initiatives resonates so strongly with me.
It is not merely a call for financial assistance; it is an appeal to a deeper sense of civic responsibility. Nation-building cannot be outsourced entirely to government. A stable and prosperous society is built when citizens recognise that they, too, have obligations to the communities from which they have benefited.
Government has an indispensable role, but communities cannot afford to remain passive, and those with the capacity to make a positive difference should not wait until insecurity reaches their own doorstep before deciding to act.
Security is far more than a political issue debated during election campaigns. It is the foundation upon which economic growth, education, healthcare, investment, and democratic governance all depend.
Businesses cannot flourish where fear prevails. Investors are reluctant to commit resources to unstable environments. Families cannot plan confidently for the future where uncertainty dominates daily life. Without security, even the most ambitious development plans struggle to succeed.
For these reasons, I commend Prophet Isa El-Buba for choosing action over rhetoric. Whether one agrees with every aspect of his approach is, in many respects, secondary to the larger point.
What deserves recognition is his willingness to deploy his own resources in support of an initiative designed to strengthen his community while working in partnership with the appropriate security authorities. In an era when many people are content to comment on national problems from a distance, he has demonstrated that constructive leadership begins by asking not only what government should do, but also what each of us can do.
My hope is that this initiative will inspire others across Nigeria. Governors, business leaders, philanthropists, traditional institutions, faith-based organisations, and community associations should all ask themselves what practical contribution they can make towards building safer, stronger, and more resilient communities.
The answers will differ from place to place, but the principle remains the same, that every citizen has something to contribute to the common good. I remain convinced that Nigeria’s future will not be secured by government alone.
It will be shaped by citizens who understand that patriotism is demonstrated not merely through speeches, prayers, or social media commentary, but through responsible action that improves the lives of others. Prophet Isa El-Buba has provided one compelling example of what that looks like.
For me, that is leadership worthy of recognition, and one that I sincerely hope others with the means and influence to make a difference will choose to emulate.
