By Tola Gbadamosi

In a renewed effort to tackle insecurity in Ondo State, the Commander of the State Security Network Agency, Amotekun, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, has called on the youth across the state to support the agency by supplying timely and accurate intelligence.

Adeleye made the call during a strategic meeting held on Thursday at the Amotekun Area Command in Owo, themed “Relevance of Youth in the Grassroots Security Architecture in Ondo State.”

The meeting was organised in collaboration with the Senior Special Assistant to the Ondo State Governor on Youths and Job Creation, Ambassador Orioye Benedict Gbayisemore.

According to the Amotekun Commander, similar engagements would be held across the three senatorial districts of the state to deepen youth involvement in security initiatives.

“The relevance of youth in today’s security challenges cannot be overemphasised. Young people must move beyond watching from the sidelines and take an active role,” he stated.

“Let me say this loud and clear: our modern and traditional security agencies cannot do it alone. Security is a collective responsibility.

“The youth, strong, intelligent, and courageous must rise and take their rightful place in this fight.”

Adeleye also lauded the support of the state government, saying, “Permit me to humbly commend the outstanding efforts of our dynamic and security-conscious Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.

“His unwavering support for Amotekun and other security agencies is strengthening grassroots security across the state.”

He also appreciated the leadership and synergy among security agencies operating in the Northern Senatorial District of the state.

Addressing the youth directly, Adeleye urged them to channel their energy positively and assume critical roles in the protection of their communities.

“As youths, you are familiar with the streets, the forests, and the people. You know what is right and what is not. Be vigilant. Report suspicious movements.

“Form volunteer vigilance groups. Let’s build an impenetrable wall of intelligence that kidnappers and robbers cannot breach.”

He warned against youth involvement in crime, adding, “Say no to criminality. Let us stop glorifying evil. Challenge your peers to abandon cultism, gangs, and other vices. Crime must never be a means of survival.

“Let us boldly declare: ‘Not in our generation, not in our community!’”

Adeleye recommended that every ward, street, and farm settlement should establish youth-led patrol teams to work in synergy with Amotekun.

“Our approach must be technologically driven. Stay away from drugs and harmful substances. Partner with Amotekun on public awareness campaigns. Respect and work with law enforcement agencies. Advocate for good governance.

“If we wait for someone else to fix our problems, we’ll be waiting forever.”

He concluded by charging the youth to become security ambassadors. “The SSA on Youths and I will also return as ambassadors. The road ahead is tough, but together, we can secure our state.”

Also speaking at the event, Ambassador Orioye Benedict Gbayisemore, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youths and Job Creation, said, “In line with Mr Governor’s mandate, we must continue to engage the youth meaningfully.

“It is important that we create consistent platforms like this to foster security dialogue.”

“Amotekun is our own, and Ondo is our state. We must support Amotekun, just as Amotekun must support us.

“Many of our people are vulnerable, especially in rural areas, and this partnership is essential for their safety.”

Dignitaries at the event included representatives of the Olowo of Owo, the Chairman of Owo Local Government Area, and representatives of all the local government chairmen in Akoko.