Nigeria Youth Organisation organizes security summit, as Ogun state government pledges partnership towards addressing youth-related challenges

Ibrahim Akanbi/Serah Ayomide (Interns)

The Nigeria Youth Organisation(NYO), Ogun State Chapter in collaboration with Federal Ministry of Youth Development on Friday organized a youth security summit, as the state government pledged to partner the organization towards addressing youth-related challenges.

Penpushing reports that the summit with the theme, ’Youth-Led Security Strategies for a Safer Nigeria was held at the hall of Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Kuto, Abeokuta, with participation of members across the twenty local government areas of the state

The chairman of the organization Saka Olanreaju in his welcome speech explained that the summit was a significant step towards promoting peace and security, stressing that the youths recognize the importance of taking an active role in shaping the security narratives.

‘We believe that security is a collective responsibility, and we are committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that our state remains safe and secure. Let us work together to make Ogun state a safer and more prosperous place for all’, Olanrewaju stated

Penpushing further reports that Ogun state Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun in his keynote address stated that his administration is prioritising youth-led strategies for safer in the state, adding that it has taken measurable steps that reinforce youth empowerment as a foundation for community security.

The Governor represented by Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, added that this is because the youth are not only the leaders of tomorrow but the defenders, innovators, and nation-shapers of today.

Penpushing also reports that he stated that their insight, creativity, and courage are essential to the safety and progress of the state, adding that when young people embrace leadership, insecurity retreats; and that communities grow stronger when they lead with purpose.

The Governor who highlighted the Ogun State Government’s initiatives to empower youth and promote community security, including training over 21,000 youths in vocational and digital skills, and strengthening the Amotekun Corps, urged the youth to contribute to securing their communities through community intelligence, digital early-warning tools, and civic influence.

“The challenges of our time — cybercrime, cultism, drug abuse, highway threats, and emerging community vulnerabilities — demand approaches that combine institutional structure with the insight, creativity, and innovation of our youth’, he said.

“Youth-led security strategies do not mean assigning policing duties to young people. Rather, they refer to structured avenues where the youth contribute meaningfully to securing our society through community intelligence, digital early-warning tools, civic influence, campus peacebuilding, social media awareness, neighborhood vigilance, and technology-enabled reporting systems. These approaches capitalize on the unique strengths of our youth — their digital fluency, social engagement, and deep insight into community trends’.

Penpushing reports that Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof Abubakar Ahmed Audi in his speech commended the organization for organizing what he described as timely and forward-looking summit

The Commandant General represented by Mobolaji Adedipe stated that the youths are not only the leaders tomorrow, but they are key stakeholders of today, adding that no nation can attain sustainable security and development without the active participation of its youths

Penpushing further reports that Olowu of Owu Kingdom Prof. Oba Saka Adelola Matemilola, highlighted key strategies for promoting national safety,noting that security awareness must include skill acquisition, education on the dangers of illicit drugs and empowering young people to become positive influencers within their communities

The royal father represented by Chief Amusan Saheed added that youths should also support security agencies by serving as intelligence sources when necessary.

Penpushing also reports that Onimeko of Imeko, Oba Benjamin Alabi on his part emphasized the need to educate younger generations on moral values and the dangers of drug abuse, explaining that when young people are properly guided, it becomes easier to build a peaceful and responsible society.

The duo traditional rulers commended the organization for the initiative to organize the summit, and pledged to support the Nigeria Youth Organisation(NYO), adding that they were impressed with the timely thought of the group towards the youth-led strategies for a safer Nigeria

Penpushing reports that Ogun State Commissioner of Police Mr. Lanre Ogunlowo, in his remarks cautioned youths against careless use of social media, warning that sharing sensitive information such as locations can endanger lives, and discouraged the culture of night partying, stating that it increases vulnerability to crime.

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