By Tola Gbadamosi

The Commander of Ondo State’s Security Network Agency, Amotekun, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, has underscored the indispensable role of youth engagement in securing long-term community safety and fostering sustainable development.

During a dialogue with youths from the Southern Senatorial District at the Amotekun Area Command in Okitipupa, he stressed that the success of future security efforts relies heavily on mobilising the energy and talents of young people for communal growth and shared progress.

“Your contributions to community development, peacebuilding, and social enterprise in this region are both commendable and inspiring,” he said.

“I must therefore emphasise that the youths are not just stakeholders but genuine partners in the peace and development framework of our diaspora.

“Globally, young people possess the energy, networks, and innovative mindsets needed to drive positive change,” he added.

The commander expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the Southern Senatorial District, citing rising cases of kidnapping, robbery, cult-related violence, and other criminal activities.

“These crimes not only threaten lives but also deter investment, disrupt agricultural and economic activities, and shatter communal peace,” he warned.

“The threat is real, and its consequences will be severe if left unaddressed. Security, as we all know, is the foundation upon which all meaningful development is built.”

He reiterated that Amotekun’s mandate is clear: to protect lives and property through a blend of conventional and unconventional strategies.

However, he pointed out that no security structure can succeed without active community participation, particularly from the youths.

“You know who is suspicious, what is unusual, and what is out of place. The most critical support system lies with the youths and the communities themselves,” he said.

“Let us rise above political affiliations and ethnic divisions. Let us see ourselves first as sovereign citizens and patriotic communities.”

Also speaking at the forum was the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Youth and Security, Hon. Benedict Gbayisemore.

He urged youths in the district to actively support the Amotekun Corps in safeguarding lives and property across the region.

Gbayisemore commended the youths for their continued support of Governor Aiyedatiwa and described the meeting as timely, given the unique security challenges facing the Southern Senatorial District.

He encouraged them to regard members of the Amotekun Corps as partners rather than adversaries. “Beyond ensuring security, the corps also offers employment opportunities to many youths across the state,” he noted.

The session concluded with a renewed call for unity, vigilance, and collaboration in the collective fight against insecurity in Ondo State.