By Victor Akinkuolie, Ado-Ekiti
In a bid to foster mutual respect in Ekiti State, Governor Biodun Oyebanji has called for a strong synergy between security agencies operating in the state and youths, describing this as a solution to the simmering crises arising from alleged brutality within society.
Oyebanji stated this in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday during a Youth, Students, and Security Stakeholders’ Engagement convened by the Ministry of Youth Development to foster synergy among stakeholders on security.
The stakeholders’ meeting was specifically convened to address recent alleged harassment of youths and students in Ekiti, as catalogued by former student leader, Comrade Felix Olanrewaju, and other representatives, aiming to prevent the situation from escalating into chaos.
To avert incidents of protests against security agencies in Ekiti, as threatened by students and youths, Oyebanji, represented by the Special Adviser on Security Matters, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana, urged students to regard security agencies as friends and partners, helping to expose criminals among them to safeguard the state.
Oyebanji encouraged representatives of youths and students to review activities on the streets and campuses to ensure that those posing security threats are identified and brought to justice.
While commending the security agencies for their zeal in maintaining the relative peace enjoyed in Ekiti, Oyebanji assured that his government would not stand by and allow youths and students to be harassed under any guise.
The Governor said: “Let the student and youth leaders inform their colleagues to always respect the law, as this is the only way to build a just and violence-free society. Let us live together as family members. We all know the criminals among us—try and expose them.
“We know that not all the students and youths in Ekiti are criminals, but if the bad ones are not identified and used as examples, then you will continue to suffer unjustly. It is not right for you to shield criminals.”
Oyebanji advised hoteliers operating in the state to be security-conscious around their premises, adding that their businesses should not come at the expense of public safety.
In his submission, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Adesola Adedayo, praised security agencies for their partnership in combating crime and safeguarding the lives of Ekiti residents. However, he insisted that the occasional cases of brutality against youths and students must cease to ensure peace and mutual respect within the system.
On the significance of the programme, Adedayo explained that it was designed to strengthen safety measures in Ekiti and was not intended to diminish the contributions of security forces to the peace and stability enjoyed in the state.
“Every young person deserves to feel secure, valued, and treated justly within Ekiti’s borders. Trust between the community and security forces is the foundation of effective policing,” he said.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adeniran Akinwale, pledged the partnership among stakeholders to rid Ekiti of criminals. He affirmed his personnel’s statutory duty to protect lives and property and to ward off criminals, promising they would carry out this duty impartially.
“Let us be law-abiding wherever we are. We must train some of our students and youths to be future leaders. Ignorance of the law is no excuse. I assure you, any of my personnel who misbehaves will not be spared. Don’t condemn the police but try to understand us.
“Be bold enough to resolve grievances. If you confront the police, you are not helping yourselves. I came here with a purpose, which is to ensure the security of lives and property. If you notice any infraction, report it, and justice will be done.”
The Director of the Department of State Services in Ekiti State, Dr. Bolatito Olufemi, urged the youths to unite with security stakeholders to expose criminals among them, expressing dismay over the involvement of the productive population in drug peddling, internet fraud, cultism, robbery, and banditry.
Also contributing, the State Coordinator of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Mr. Oluwaponmile Sodeinde, cautioned against actions that infringe on others’ rights, stating this as the best way to achieve a peaceful society.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Dayo Apata (SAN), and his counterpart in the Information Ministry, Taiwo Olatunbosun, commended Governor Oyebanji for making youth development and job creation key pillars of his administration.
However, they urged youths and students to be law-abiding wherever they are and to carry identification to avoid cases of brutality and injustice from security agencies.
They added that the current government would continue providing valuable opportunities for youths and students to thrive and remain competitive in a 21st-century economy.
Present at the event were: Chairman of the Ekiti State House of Assembly Committee on Youths, Hon. Idowu Odebunmi; Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dayo Apata (SAN); his counterparts in the Information Ministry, Taiwo Olatunbosun, and Intergovernmental Affairs Ministry, Dr. Abdulkarim Makanjuola; Special Adviser on Tertiary Education, Prof. Abdulazis Apempe; NSCDC; Ekiti Amotekun Corps; security chiefs; representatives from security agencies, traders, student leaders, NHRC, and the National Youth Service Corps, among others.