- As group pledges to partner with security agencies to fight cultism, cybercrime, drug abuse.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has called on youths across the Southwest region to uphold the Omoluabi values of integrity, responsibility, and discipline, while shunning all forms of social vices threatening the moral and security of the nation.
Adeleke made the call on Thursday during the Southwest Youth Multi-Stakeholders Summit on Social Vices, organised by the Coalition of Nigeria Youths on Security and Safety Affairs (CONYESSA), in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, with the theme “Uniting Southwest Youths in the Fight Against Cultism, Internet Fraud, Money Laundering, Drug Abuse, Child Trafficking, and Economic Sabotage”, held at Adolak Event Centre, Osogbo, the Osun state capital.
In his address, Governor Adeleke who was represented by his Special Adviser on Security Matters, Hon. Samuel Ojo, encouraged youths to resist the lure of criminality and instead embrace values that reflect good character and civic responsibility.
He continued by assuring that his administration remains committed to supporting youth driven initiatives that promote peace and community safety.
He said “I must applaud the organisers for the choice of theme for this summit.
“My dear youth, let me remind you that you’re the mirror of society. You must embrace and exemplify the noble of Omoluabi which stands for integrity and responsibility.
“I appeal to all Nigerian Youths to shun cultism, fraud, drug abuse, trafficking and all forms of illegality. These have not only destroyed individuals, but also weakened moral and economic development in the Nation.”
Speaking on the objective of the summit, Director-General of CONYESSA, Ambassador Ade Mario Emmanuel, explained that the summit was convened in response to the alarming rise in insecurity across the region, which, according to him, has persisted despite increased government investments in security infrastructure.
He also warned that without urgent intervention, the region risks a future where schools, communities, and families will no longer be safe.
“The more Nigerian Government push money forth, equipment,and technology into fight against the Vices, the more these Vices are increasing on daily basis. So we felt that possibly it will help the gap between the younger people as security agencies are what is causing why they are not getting results.
“So we felt the need to, we are making ourselves a sacrificial lamb and we are ready to join the Nigerian Police, the armed forces, the EFCC, the NDLEA and other security agencies to fight and confront these social menace that is eating us up.
“Southwest is known as a decent state before now, Southwest was not known for ritual killing, Southwest is not known for Internet fraud, Southwest is not known for other social vices that has to do with dividends in moral.
“But today, that’s what we are seeing in the street and the society. There’s need to quickly bring an end to it, that is the reason why the young stakeholders of Southwest felt we have to come up with an idea, what to do, solution, how to do and where to do, that could actually bridge the gap between young people and security agencies that would birth a lasting solution to what we are seeing. We believe based on research that if this menace is not properly addressed now, in the next 10 years we might not have a society that’s decent where our children can undergo schools. That’s the essence of this program”, he emphasised.
In an interview with Sahel correspondent, President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Comrade Solomon Adolo, clarified that there is a direct link between security and development.
He urged youths to move from “mere potential” to productivity, contributing meaningfully to national growth.
“Where there is peace and security, development thrives. And where development thrives, security is strengthened. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is ready to work with the youths. I bring a message from the Federal Government; bring your potential to the table. Let’s build the region together,” Adolo said.
Earlier while speaking on the misuse of security authority, Ambassador Comrade Adebisi Emmanuel, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Civil Society Organisations, emphasised that law enforcement officers must not abuse their power.
“That uniform is not a licence to oppress, Security personnel are meant to protect, not to intimidate or molest. We must send that message across”, he noted.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was represented at the summit by DSE Titilola Tokan-Lawal, who spoke on the misuse of technology by youths.
“Today’s smartphones can either be more dangerous than guns, or more empowering depending on how we use them.
“Nigerian youths were once known globally for integrity and creativity. We must reclaim that image. Security is not just about force; it includes fairness, accountability, and justice for all, whether citizen or uniformed.” she said.
