Joel Ajayi

The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to empowering young people as critical stakeholders in promoting peace and security across Nigeria.

He made this known while receiving the 2026 National Youth Security Emblem presented by the Nigeria Youth Organisation (NYO) during a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja.

Speaking during the presentation, Comrade Olawande emphasized the importance of actively engaging young people in community-based peacebuilding initiatives, noting that youth participation remains central to achieving sustainable security and national development.

He observed that many young people migrate from rural communities to major cities such as Abuja in search of better opportunities. However, the absence of productive engagement often exposes them to negative influences, which can contribute to insecurity when such individuals return to their communities.

The Minister therefore stressed the need for increased awareness campaigns to help young people identify and harness opportunities available within their local communities.

According to him, communities possess numerous untapped resources capable of creating wealth and fostering economic independence for young people if properly utilized.

Comrade Olawande also highlighted the importance of collaboration between youth organizations, government institutions, and international development partners in advancing the youth, peace, and security agenda.

He noted that the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, with the support of partners such as the European Union (EU), continues to promote initiatives that empower young people to serve as ambassadors of peace and stability within their communities.

The Minister further encouraged youth groups to align their activities with the Ministry’s strategic framework, particularly through the Department of Networks and Social Mobilization (NSM), which serves as a key platform for youth mobilization and engagement nationwide.

Speaking on the broader national security framework, the Minister reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening community-based security systems, including the promotion of community and state policing. He emphasized that security structures are most effective when personnel are familiar with and connected to the communities they serve.

Comrade Olawande also called for the practical implementation of the National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security, stressing that meaningful results can only be achieved through deliberate action rather than prolonged discussions.

Earlier, the National Executive President of NYO, Comrade Okorie C. Okorie, explained that the initiative is designed to mobilise Nigerian youths across the country to take collective responsibility for community security and national stability.

According to him, the emblem carries key inscriptions including “Community Security: A Collective Responsibility of All Nigerian Youths” and “Nigerian Youths, Operation Defend Your Community.” He added that the campaign is aimed at encouraging young people to actively support efforts to combat insecurity and safeguard their communities.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr (Mrs) Maryam Keshinro, noted that young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow but also the strength of the nation today. She emphasized the need for collective efforts to engage and mobilize youths in the fight against insecurity across the country.

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