18/12/2025
Abeokuta North Youth Security Summit Advocates Youth-Led Vigilance, Community Collaboration
The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Abeokuta North Local Government, on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, convened a Youth Security Summit at the Registry Hall, Abeokuta North Local Government Secretariat, Akomoje, as part of sustained efforts to promote security awareness, community vigilance, and youth participation in safeguarding public spaces.
The summit, themed “Security Awareness: Identifying Risks and Protecting Our Spaces,” followed a recent security stakeholders’ engagement initiated by the Abeokuta North Local Government and drew participation from security agencies, government officials, traditional leaders, youth stakeholders, and representatives of key institutions.
In his opening remarks, the Coordinator of NYCN Abeokuta North, Comrade 'Mujeeb Akewugberu, described the summit as a strategic response to the growing security concerns across the country. He stressed that insecurity flourishes where citizens remain silent or uninformed, noting that effective security requires active public participation. According to him, security is a collective responsibility that cuts across homes, markets, places of worship, schools, and other public spaces, urging youths to embrace vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement agencies.
Delivering the keynote lecture, CSP Kenneth Iyayi, Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Lafenwa Police Station, outlined practical steps residents can adopt to enhance safety within their environments. He urged citizens to remain observant of suspicious movements, avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing panic, promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies, and strengthen community cooperation. He emphasized that timely intelligence from members of the public remains critical to preventing crime, reinforcing the principle of “See Something, Say Something.”
Goodwill messages from security and government agencies further underscored the importance of youth engagement in addressing security threats. Representatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) highlighted intelligence gathering and community trust as key pillars in tackling insecurity. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) emphasized the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, cautioning youths against vandalism and criminal involvement. The Amotekun Corps advocated enhanced grassroots surveillance and community collaboration, while the National Orientation Agency (NOA) called for sustained value reorientation, patriotism, and responsible citizenship among young people.
Remarks by the Chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government, Hon. (Dr.) Lanre Oyegbola-Sodipo, delivered by the Senior Special Assistant on Security, Hon. Akintunde Saminu Ajani, emphasized the urgent need for youths to rise from complacency and actively support government and security agencies in combating emerging security challenges. He noted that meaningful development cannot be achieved without peace and security, urging youths to serve as frontline partners in maintaining order within their communities.
Similarly, the Special Adviser to the Chairman on Youth and Sports, Hon. Lukmon Adeshina Balogun, admonished youths to remain proactive, disciplined, and law-abiding, stressing the need for youth-driven initiatives to align with the administration’s development agenda. He noted that constructive youth engagement is essential for strengthening governance and ensuring inclusive access to the dividends of democracy.
The summit was attended by several dignitaries, including Hon. Femi Akinbowale, Supervisor for Education, Abeokuta North; Hon. Kayode Ajibola, Head of Media and Deputy Chief of Staff to the Chairman; Mrs. Folarin Bamidele Veronica, Director, Community and Social Welfare Department; High Chief Abdulganiyu Arogundade, Lukotun Ikereku and Aare Onilenla of Oke Ona Egba; officials from the Ogun State Ministry of Sports; representatives of the Department of State Services; SC Bankole Olabisi of the NSCDC, Arakanga Division; Mr. Binutu Tolulope, Operational Commander, Amotekun Abeokuta North; Mrs Andu Oyebisi, Director, National Orientation Agency, represented by Mr. Oladipupo Akinfenwa; and youth development officer of the local government, Mr. Odeyemi Gabriel.
Participants at the summit collectively called for sustained collaboration among youths, communities, and security agencies to enhance intelligence sharing, strengthen vigilance, and ensure lasting peace across Abeokuta North Local Government Area.
