The Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs (CONYSSA) has organized a momentous event that brought together the youth of Ondo State for a vital security summit.
This transformative assemblage held on September 14, 2023, was aptly named “Integrating Ondo State Youth in the Fight Against Crime and Extremism.”
The event served as a crucial platform for addressing pressing security concerns within the state, resonating with the urgent need to empower young Nigerians in safeguarding their communities.
The summit was held at the prestigious International Conference Centre, known as The Dome, Akure, Ondo State’s capital. It was a symbolic choice of venue, emphasizing the gravity of the issues discussed and the collective resolve to find effective solutions.
One remarkable aspect of this event was the active participation of all security apparatus in the state, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and various other security agencies. Their presence highlighted the commitment of these institutions to collaborate with youth in tackling security challenges.
The event witnessed the enthusiastic involvement of Western Nigeria Security Network codenamed Amotekun. Amotekun’s presence exemplified the significance of pivotal indigenous initiatives in bolstering security efforts. Their participation underscored the importance of grassroots involvement in community safety and the potential for Amotekun to serve as a crucial partner in ensuring the security and well-being of Ondo State’s youth.
Dr. (Barr) Olumuyiwa Adu, the Chairman of the occasion, set the tone for the event, emphasizing the importance of youth involvement in crime prevention, sustainable peace, good governance, and national development.
The summit featured insightful lectures from distinguished speakers— Chief Adetunji Adeleye, Ondo State Coordinator of the Western Nigeria Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps), shed light on the pivotal role of youth in crime prevention, emphasizing their potential to contribute to lasting peace and national development and Mr. Mumuni Kayode Raji, NDLEA Ondo State Commander, delivered a powerful message urging youth to “Drop the Drug and Pick a Skill.” He stressed the need to divert young people away from drug abuse and towards skill acquisition, thereby channeling their energy into productive endeavors.
The JDPC addressed the audience on “Youth Empowerment as an Open Door to Reduce Crime Among the Youth.” This lecture accentuated the significance of education, mentorship, and access to opportunities in shaping a brighter future for young Nigerians.
Following these enlightening lectures, an engaged question-and-answer session provided a platform for attendees to engage with the speakers, seek clarification, and exchange ideas.
Likewise, the Director General of Conyssa in the person of Ambassador Ademario Emmanuel engaged the audience on the need for government, private organizations to assist in combating crime by supporting Conyssa in ensuring less crime tolerance in the society.
He also admonished all youth bodies present at the occasion to imbibe the spirit of discipline and emulate the spirit of oneness to fight crime extremism to the lowest ebb.
More so, Rev. Ifezue Emmanuel I (Ph.D.) Ondo District Superintendent EC Member South West Zone 1, the Spiritual father of the day gave a mind-blowing speech on the roles of youths in internal security and also emphasized on the place of poverty reduction in combating crimes in society. He beseeched government to assist Conyssa in fighting crime by providing them with necessary tools to combat the menace to the lowest rate in society.
The summit reached its climax with the inauguration of the newly formed executive members, with Osewa Adesina Vincent assuming the role of Ondo State Coordinator. This formalized CONYSSA’s commitment to lead youth-led security efforts in the state.
The CONYSSA Security Summit was a significant gathering that addressed pressing security concerns within the state while emphasizing the urgency of empowering its youth to play an active role in safeguarding their communities.
It is a pivotal moment in Ondo State’s ongoing efforts to combat crime and extremism.
It demonstrated the unity and determination of Nigerian youth to actively engage in safeguarding their communities. With the collective participation of various security agencies and the local Amotekun outfit, the event showcased the potential for effective collaboration between the government and grassroots organizations in addressing security challenges.
This transformative event illuminated a path towards a more secure and prosperous future for Ondo State and the entire nation.
