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Youths insist on getting involved in nation’s security architecture
The Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs (CONYSSA) on Thursday called for the involvement of youths in the security architecture of the nation.
According to them, this will improve security in the nation.
CONYSSA made the call during the Lagos Security Summit which held at the Onikan Youth Center, Lagos Island, with theme as : “The Role of Citizen on Security and Community Safety”.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that CONYSSA organised the Lagos Security Summit in conjunction with Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Lagos State Government.
The Director-General of CONYSSA, Amb. Ade Mario Emmanuel, while speaking on the purpose of the summit, said it would address the situation of insecurity and provide better solutions with citizens’ participation.
He added that the summit was further assurance that there was hope for the country in terms of tackling insecurity which he described as a major challenge of the country.
“If our youths can be incorporated into the security architecture of all the states and the nation as a whole, I am certain that the country will be a safer haven.
“Lagos is safe with all of you here if only the government can see the potentials, criminal elements will be made to realise that Lagos is no longer a safe haven for them.
“Lagos State is doing well but also needs to see reasons to harmonise security-based organisations whose sole aim is ensuring protection of lives and property.
“It is time for us to rise to our responsibilities. We need to complement the efforts of othe security agencies. There is no other alternative aside the youths, we are the youths and we are the way forward,” he said.
Also, Amb. Akanni Michael, Chairman, Central Working Committee and CONYSSA Lagos Cordinator, said the state needs urgent measures on security and that the youths need to rise to their responsibilities.
“With our little gestures, we will be creating a safe society for ourselves and our next generations,” he said.
Michael urged members of the various organisations to learn from the summit and also synergise to achieve the common aim of safer society.
The Chairman of the Summit, Mr Yinka Omogoye, also identified insecurity as one of the greatest challenges of the country needing immediate solutions.
Omogoye urged youths to take charge as security organisations could not handle the challenges of insecurity alone.
CONYSSA’s Grand Patron, Dr Adebanji Oluniyi, commended CONYSSA for the initiative and added that the summit should not just be a Lagos thing but a platform to be replicated nationwide.
“We need to sensitise ourselves and take security serious.
“It is sacrosanct that the youths are involved in the security architecture of the nation. This needs to be projected to our leaders and make them understand that security of the state is important,” he said.
Oluniyi commended the Lagos State Government for the contributions toward security of the state and urged that the communique of the summit be forwarded to necessary institutions for the needful to be done.
“We need to make them involve us in the way we are being secured. We can do better as youths,” he said.
The NSCDC Lagos State Commandant, Edenabu Okoro, who was represented by Deputy Commandant, Special Duties, Ayodeji Agoro, also preached that security-based organisations should synergise to achieve the common goal.
“The recent EndSARS protest made us realise we can’t all do without ourselves. We sometimes provide security for sister agencies and this shows that no single agency can do it alone.
“Community is also important as a little information gathered and shared with the necessary security agencies will help check crime in the country.” he said.
The Commandant further urged the Federal Road SafetyCommission to always consider youths paramilitary experience whenever recruitment is being done by security agencies.
Also, Commandant Lucky Onimowo of Man ‘O’ War, said the power of the youths especially those in security-based organisations should be utilised in ensuring safety of the society.
The FRSC Corps Commander, Lagos State, Mr Olusegun Ogungbemide, who was represented by an Assistant Corp Commander, Esther Uzoma, further advised members of security-based organisations to shun drugs and alcohol.
“You need to stay away from drugs and alcohol for you to be useful for yourself and the society. I will urge CONYSSA to emphasise this as it affects a person’s sense of reasoning.” she said.
“It takes over you then addiction comes in. Avoid all that tampers with your sense of reasoning. I also implore everyone here to reach out to us so we can all work together,” she said.
The Lagos State Commandant of Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN), Patriot Kuforiji Williams, who represented the PCN National Commandant, Amb. Dickson Akoh, said there was need for the all youths to channel their energy on patriotic service to the nation in various communities.
“Citizens, residents and visitors, our primary aim should be the interest of our dear country, Nigeria. We as youths and citizens, we have our constitutional role to play in the security and safety of our community.
“In every community, there should be an effective participation of the youths in the socio-economic activities in our system.
“This does not stop only on the security, it also involves all sectors such as transportation sectors, health sector, reorientation and and rehabilitation of citizens.
“This is to avoid damaging of social and economic infrastructures put in place by the government.
“Charity begins at home they say and change begins with each and everyone.
“As a citizen of the country, it is never too late for us to begin to channel our mindsets towards a positive and effective path to greatness of our nation.
“Keeping our community safe and secured, the Peace Corps of Nigeria has taken a strong step in complementing the efforts of other security agencies by training its officers for information gathering, intelligence reporting and community ownership,” he said.
Ms Yemisi Ransome-Kuti, a Co-founder, Lagos Island Connect (LIC), urged security-based organisations to tackle insecurity using the prevention system.
Ms Ransome-Kuti said prevention was better than cure and there was need to work closely with the family, where importance of value is preached to the child.
She added that structure and systems were also important to aid critical planning, engaging and implementation of a desired security outfit.
“We need to poise ourselves for the kind of security we want,” she said.
NAN reports that other security-based Non- Governmental Organisations at the summit included the Intelligence Recue Corps, Civil Elite Services, The Exploit Cadet and The African Lads and Lasses Brigade.
Others were the Man of Order and Discipline Movement of Nigeria and the WAI Brigade.