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Minister of Youth Dev’t Olawande Receives 2026 National Youth Security Emblem from Nigeria Youth Organisation
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.
Omolara Esan
Director, Information and Public Relations
News
Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran
Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.
In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.
According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.
“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.
The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.
The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.
“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.
Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.
The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.
“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.
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