The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to empowering young people as pivotal actors in promoting peace and security across Nigeria.
Comrade Olawande made this known while receiving the 2026 National Youth Security Emblem from the Nigeria Youth Organisation (NYO) during a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja.
Highlighting the critical role of youth in community-based peacebuilding, the Minister stressed that youth engagement is central to sustainable security and national development. He noted that many young Nigerians migrate from rural communities to cities like Abuja seeking opportunities, but without productive engagement, they risk exposure to negative influences that can fuel insecurity when they return home.
To address this, Comrade Olawande called for expanded awareness campaigns and initiatives to help youths identify and harness local opportunities. He emphasized that communities hold untapped resources capable of generating wealth and fostering economic independence for young people if properly mobilized.
The Minister also underscored the importance of collaboration between youth organizations, government institutions, and international partners, including the European Union (EU), to advance the youth, peace, and security agenda. He encouraged youth groups to align their programs with the Ministry’s strategic framework, particularly through the Department of Networks and Social Mobilization (NSM), a key platform for nationwide youth engagement.
On national security, Comrade Olawande reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening community-based security systems, including community and state policing. He stressed that security is most effective when personnel are familiar with and connected to the communities they serve. He also called for the practical implementation of the National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security, noting that meaningful results require deliberate action rather than prolonged discussions.
Speaking earlier, NYO National Executive President Comrade Okorie C. Okorie explained that the initiative is designed to mobilize Nigerian youths to take collective responsibility for community security and national stability. He said the emblem carries inscriptions including “Community Security: A Collective Responsibility of All Nigerian Youths” and “Nigerian Youths, Operation Defend Your Community”, encouraging youths to actively support efforts to combat insecurity.
In her remarks, Permanent Secretary Dr (Mrs) Maryam Keshinro noted that young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow but the strength of the nation today, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to engage youths in safeguarding communities across Nigeria.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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