CONYSSA calls for involvement of youths in all state's security architecture

The Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs (CONYSSA) on Thursday called for the involvement of youths in the security architecture of the nation to check insecurity. 

CONYSSA made the call during the Lagos Security Summit which held Onikan Youth Center, Lagos Island, themed "The Role of Citizen on Security and Community Safety".

CONYSSA organised the Lagos Security Summit in conjunction with Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Lagos State Government.

The Director General, CONYSSA, Amb. Ade Mario Emmanuel while speaking on the purpose of the summit said it will address the situation of insecurity and provide better solutions with citizens' participation. 

He added that the summit and the gathering is a further assurance that there is hope for the country in terms of tackling insecurity which he described as a major challenge of the country. 

"If our youths can be incorporated into the security architecture of all the states and the nation as a whole, I am certain that the country will be a safer haven.

"Lagos is safe with all of you here, if only the government can see the potentials, criminal elements will be made to realise that Lagos is no longer a safe haven for them.

"Lagos State is doing well but also need to see reasons to harmonize security based organizations whose sole aim is ensuring protection of lives and property.

"It is time for us to rise to our responsibilities. We need to complement the efforts of othe security agencies. There is no other alternative aside the youths, we are the youths and we are the way forward." he said.

The Chairman, Central Working Committee and CONYSSA Lagos Cordinator, Amb. Akanni Michael also said the state is currently in danger and that there is need for the youths to rise to their responsibilities. 

"With our little gestures, we will be creating a safe society for ourselves and our next generations." he said.

Amb. Akanni Michael further urged members of the various organizations to learn from the summit and also synergise to achieve the common aim of safer society. 

The Chairman of the Summit, Mr Yinka Omogoye also said insecurity is one of the greatest challenge of the country which needs to be immediately tackled.

Omogoye said the situation of insecurity can be likened when a person is planning to set it right and others are planning to destroy the good works.

He further urged the youths to take charge as security organizations can not handle the problem of security alone.

CONYSSA Grand Patron, Doc. Adebanji Oluniyi commended CONYSSA for the initiative and added that the summit should not just be a Lagos thing but a platform that should be replicated nationwide. 

"The security challenges in this country is out of proportion so we need to sensitise ourselves and take security serious. 

"It is sacrosanct that the ypuths are involved in the security architecture of the nation. This needs to be projected to our leaders and make them understand that security of the state is important." he said.

Oluniyi commended the Lagos State Government for the contributions towards security of the state and urged that the communique of the summit be forwarded to necessary institutions for the needful to be done.

"We need to make them involve us in the way we are being secured. We can do better as youths." he said.

The NSCDC Lagos State Commandant. Edenabu Okoro who was represented by Deputy Commandant, Special Duties, Ayodeji Agoro also preached that security based organizations should synergise to achieve the common goal.

"The recent EndSARS protest made us realise we can't all do without ourselves. We sometimes provide security for sister agencies and this shows that no single agency can do it alone.

"Community is also important as a little information gathered and shared with the necessary security agencies will help check crime in the country." he said.

The Commandant further urged Federal Road to always consider youths paramilitary experience whenever recruitment is being done by security agencies. 

Commandant Lucky Onimowo of Man 'O' War said the power of the youths especially those in security based organizations should be utilised in ensuring safety of the society. 

The FRSC Corp Commander, Lagos State, Mr Olusegun Ogungbemide who was represented by an Assistant Corp Commander, Esther Uzoma further advised members of Security Based Organizations to shun drugs and alcohol. 

"You need to stay away from drugs and alcohol for you to be useful for yourself and the society. I will urge CONYSSA to emphasize this as it affects a person's sense of reasoning." she said.

"It takes over you then addiction comes in. Avoid all that tampers with your sense of reasoning. I also implore everyone here to reach out to us so we can all work together." she said.

The  Lagos State Commandant, Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN), Patriot Kuforiji Williams who represented the PCN National  Commandant, Amb. Dickson Akoh said there is need for the entire youth to channel their energy on patriotic service to the nation in various communities. 

"Citizens, residents and visitors, our primary aim should be the interest of our dear country, Nigeria. We as youths and citizens, we have our constitutional role to play in the security and safety of our community.  

"In every community, there should be an effective participation of the youths in the socio-economic activities in our system. These does not stop only on the security, it also involves all sectors such as transportation sectors, health sector, reorientation and reabilitation of citizens.

"This is to avoid damaging of social  and economic  infrastructures put in place by the government.

"Charity begins at home they say and Change begins with each and everyone.  As a citizen of the country, it is never too late for us to begin to channel our mindsets towards a positive and effective path to greatness of our nation.

"Keeping our community safe and secured, the Peace Corps of Nigeria has taken a strong step in complementing the efforts of other security agencies by training its officers for information gathering,  intelligence reporting and community ownership," he said. 

Ms Yemisi Ransome-Kuti, a Co-founder, Lagos Island Connect (LIC) urged security based organizations to tackle the menace of insecurity using the prevention system. 

Ms Ransome-Kuti said prevention is better than cure and there is need to work closely with the family, where importance of value is preached to the child.

She added that structure and systems are also important for the aid of critical planning, engaging and implementation of a desired security outfit.

"We need to police ourselves for the kind of security we want." She said.

Oher security based Non Governmental Organizations at the summit are; Intelligence Recue Corps, Civil Elite Services, The Exploit Cadet and The African Lads and Lasses Brigade.

Othere are Man of Order and Discipline Movement of Nigeria and the WAI Brigade.

Source: NAN