Ogun Prioritises Youth in Security Drive, Says Akinmade

ABEOKUTA – The Ogun State Government under Governor Dapo Abiodun is placing youth empowerment at the heart of its security architecture, positioning young people as innovators and defenders against emerging threats like cybercrime and cultism.

This commitment shone through at the one-day Youth Security Summit themed “Youth-Led Strategies for Community Security,” held at the NUT Secretariat in Kuto, Abeokuta. Organised by the Ogun State Chapter of the Nigeria Youth Organization (NYO) in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the event drew youth leaders, security experts, and policymakers.

Delivering the keynote address, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, declared: “The youth are not just leaders of tomorrow—they are the defenders, innovators, and nation-builders of today. Their insight, creativity, and courage are central to our state’s peace, safety, and progress.”

Akinmade emphasised that insecurity fades when youths step into leadership with purpose, transforming communities into resilient strongholds. He outlined Governor Abiodun’s multifaceted initiatives, which blend skills training, tech innovation, and community vigilance.

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Key Youth Empowerment Milestones

• OGSTEP Vocational and Digital Training: Over 21,000 youths have gained skills in areas like coding, agriculture tech, and entrepreneurship since 2020, per OGSTEP’s 2025 progress report. This has slashed youth unemployment by 15% in targeted local governments, curbing crime drivers like idleness.
• Ogun Skills Fund Expansion: More than 31,000 residents, mostly youths, trained in high-demand trades, fostering economic independence and reducing vulnerability to crimes such as drug abuse and robbery.
• CyberSquad Digital Technicians Launch: The first 50 graduates from Ogun Tech Hub’s three-month programme now support cyber threat monitoring. Plans aim to train 10,000 by 2027, addressing Nigeria’s rising cybercrime rate (up 25% nationally in 2025, per NITDA stats).
• Amotekun Corps Boost: Recruitment of over 500 youthful operatives this year, coupled with new drones and vehicles, has enhanced rapid response. Amotekun’s 2025 operations neutralized 120 cultists and recovered 45 arms, state security logs show.

Other strides include anti-cultism drives in 15 tertiary institutions, rehab centres for 2,000+ drug-affected youths, and youth enterprise grants via 20 local government skills centres. Infrastructure upgrades—like solar lighting in 50 high-risk communities—have cut night robberies by 30%, according to police data.

Akinmade clarified that “youth-led strategies” avoid arming youths for patrols. Instead, they harness creativity through:

• Community intelligence networks.
• Digital early-warning apps for threat reporting.
• Campus peacebuilding and social media campaigns.
• Neighbourhood watches linked to security agencies.

He announced his office’s push for a Youth Security Innovation Framework, turning youth ideas into tools like AI-driven alert systems. “Modern security thrives on trust and timely info—security agencies must deepen youth ties,” he urged.

The summit featured panel discussions on tech-enabled vigilance and breakouts on civic engagement, aligning with NYO’s national push for youth in SDGs. Akinmade praised organisers: “This aligns with our vision for safer streets, empowered youths, and united communities.”

Governor Abiodun’s approach mirrors national trends, with similar youth-security models in Lagos and Anambra yielding results. As Ogun eyes 2026 polls amid rising national insecurity, these steps signal a proactive blueprint.

“Together, we build a state where every young person has opportunity, and every community stands resilient,” Akinmade concluded.