Tomiwa Akinbamire,
Olayinka Awe, Tell Balogun,
Inioluwa Borrofice
& Adedolapo Aladesunkanmi

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For Nigerian youths to have effective security  and combat crimes, extremism in the country, they  must be actively involved and empowered.

This was the decision arrived at during  the Ondo State Youth Stakeholders Security Summit held at the  International Events Centre, Dome  Akure yesterday.

The event was organised by the Coalition of Nigerian Youths in Security and Safety Affairs (CONYSSA) in partnership with the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies and themed “Integrating Ondo State Youths in the Fight Against Crime or Extremism”.

Speaking on the theme, the Commandant, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Ondo State Command, Olayinka Olatundun said it requires collaborative work to stem  radicalism and extremism, saying the involvement of youths in the fight cannot be overemphasized.

He said Nigerian youths should be weary of involvement in crimes, violence and extremism  because of  their  consequences to personal and social wellbeing.

Olatundun recommended the need to uphold our value systems, curtail get-rich-quick syndrome, promote education and awareness in schools and communities, and organise youth engagement programmes such as sports, arts, community service to divert attention from extremism and crime.

The Commandant of  Amotekun in the state, Akogun  Adetunji Adeleye, said the youth must take charge of the security of their domains.

Represented by his Assistant  Adeleye said the potential  of youths should be harnessed in shaping the development of Nigeria noting that young people can contribute  in  reducing extremism through awareness campaign, education and  involvement

The Ondo State Commandant of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mumuni Kayode Raji, stated that drug use and abuse aid people, especially the young ones, to go into crime and other vices.

While highlighting the inadequacy of security agents in policing Nigeria, the Chairman of the summit, Dr Olumuyiwa Adu said “the Nigerian system frustrates the efforts of law enforcement agencies”.

Earlier in his speech, the Director General of CONYSSA, Ambassador Ademario Emmanuel said the programme signified the determination of Ondo youths to synergise with the elders and take the security of the state in the hands.

He said Nigeria lacks adequate security personel to cater for the security of over 200 million citizens, stating the youths must be involved in assisting the government to fight crime