In a decisive move to confront rising security challenges and curb social vices across the North-West, the Kano State Government on Wednesday convened a high-level Multi-Stakeholders Security Summit, bringing together security agencies, youth groups, community leaders and policy stakeholders to chart a collaborative path toward sustainable peace and youth empowerment in the region.
The summit, convened by the Coalition of Nigerian Youths on Security and Safety Affairs (CONYSSA) in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, brought together representatives of security agencies, paramilitary organisations, anti-corruption bodies, traditional institutions, civil society groups and youth leaders from across the North-West.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State was a major highlight of the event, receiving the Outstanding Leadership Award and being decorated as an Icon of Security Ambassador by CONYSSA, in recognition of his administration’s efforts at promoting peace, youth inclusion and improved security architecture in the state.
In his remarks, Governor Yusuf charged young people to reject violence, criminality and drug abuse, noting that insecurity thrives where youths are excluded from meaningful opportunities.
He urged them to embrace skills development, entrepreneurship and innovation, stressing that both the state and federal governments have rolled out empowerment initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and reducing crime.
“Peace is not accidental. It is achieved when youths are empowered and productively engaged. Government will continue to create opportunities, but young people must take responsibility for their future,” the governor said.
Earlier, the Director-General of CONYSSA, Ambassador Ade-Mario Emmanuel, called for increased investment in the welfare and capacity of security agencies, arguing that improved working conditions would enhance morale and operational effectiveness.
He emphasised that youths must be seen not only as victims of insecurity but also as key partners in its resolution, adding that the summit was designed to strengthen trust between young people and security agencies while fostering collaboration with community leaders.
According to him, the initiative seeks to redirect the energy of youths towards nation-building and discourage involvement in social vices that undermine peace and stability.
CONYSSA also appealed to governments at all levels to prioritise youth-focused policies and ensure that youth perspectives are reflected in security planning and implementation.
Security agencies present at the summit pledged continued partnership with youth organisations and community stakeholders to address emerging threats.
The Kano State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Abubakar Idris Ahmad, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to working with stakeholders to combat drug abuse, which he described as a major contributor to crime and insecurity.
In the same vein, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, represented by Muhammed Hassan, warned youths against shortcuts to wealth, urging them to uphold integrity and lawful means of success.
Also speaking, the Kano State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Bakori, represented by ACP Suleiman Aliyu, reiterated the command’s dedication to community-oriented and intelligence-driven policing, noting that public cooperation remains critical to effective crime prevention.
A lecture on “Security Challenges in Northern Nigeria” was delivered by security expert, Dr. Yahuza Getso, represented by Mr. Ahmad Rufai, who called for sustained synergy among government, security institutions, traditional rulers and youths to achieve enduring peace in the region.
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