The football world has been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger, who reportedly died at the age of 48 after his car was struck by a train. According to multiple international media reports, the incident occurred at a railway crossing in Austria, where Manninger’s vehicle was hit in a devastating collision. Emergency responders arrived swiftly at the scene, but efforts to revive him proved unsuccessful. Manninger, a former Austrian international, enjoyed a distinguished career across Europe, featuring for top clubs including Arsenal and Juventus. He was part of the Arsenal squad under Arsène Wenger during the late 1990s, contributing to the club’s domestic successes and earning admiration for his composure and professionalism. Tributes have begun pouring in from across the football community, with former teammates, clubs, and fans expressing shock and grief over the sudden loss. Wenger, who managed Manninger during his time in Nort...
By Ambassador Henry Oyebade
Osogbo, Osun State
When Osun State accepted the honour to host the South West Zonal Summit of the Coalition of Nigerian Youths on Security and Safety Affairs (CONYSSA), we knew we were not just opening our doors to a conference, we were welcoming a revolution in youth consciousness.
The summit, held at the Adolak Event Centre in the heart of Osogbo, marked more than a routine gathering. It was the birthing of a generational mandate, one where youth rise not only to demand change, but to become the answer to the nation's cry for safety, sanity, and sustainability.
Why Osun? Why Now?
Osun is symbolic. As a state with rich history and a tradition of activism, we understand the weight of responsibility. Our decision to host this landmark event was deliberate, to position Osun as a beacon of youth-led security consciousness. With rising threats like cybercrime, cultism, drug abuse, and child trafficking, the youth cannot afford to fold their arms.
We are standing in the gap, between lost values and renewed vision.
Appreciation to the Osun State Government
This historic summit could not have been successful without the unwavering support of the Osun State Government, led by Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke. the state's leadership demonstrated a rare commitment to youth development and security partnership. The presence of key government officials, not only gave the summit institutional weight but also affirmed that Osun is ready to invest in the future. We deeply appreciate the open arms and collaborative spirit of the government, it truly set the tone for what became a transformative gathering.
A Gathering of Patriots, Not Just Participants
We were joined by passionate leaders across the South West, delegates who didn’t just wear titles but wore conviction. From Ambassador Ade Mario, Director-General of CONYSSA, whose words reminded us of the cultural crisis facing our region, to Comrade Solomon Adodo of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), who emphasized readiness over connection, the summit pulsed with urgency.
Takeaways that Resonate
1. The Age of Passive Youth is Over
We must move from rhetoric to responsibility. CONYSSA has lit that torch, and Osun and southwest youths are ready to carry it.
2. Security is Everyone’s Business
The presence of representatives from NDLEA, EFCC, DSS, Amotekun, and others confirmed one thing: inter-agency collaboration with youth is possible and necessary. The fight against insecurity is no longer a government-alone affair, youth must own their communities.
3. Morality is National Security
Technology can build or destroy. DSE Titilola Tokan-Lawal of the EFCC made it clear, our smartphones, values, and online choices must reflect integrity. We cannot campaign for security and still glorify fraudulence.
4. Leadership Must Be Redefined
As Osun State SSA on Civil Society, Ambassador Adebisi Emmanuel challenged us all: justice, fairness, and dignity must become the new standards of power. Youth must lead differently.
Our Osun Commitment
As the host, we’ve taken lessons beyond logistics. We’ve caught a new vision. In the coming months, CONYSSA Osun will:
Establish youth security awareness clubs in schools and campuses.
Launch a Grassroots Safety Campaign in partnership with local agencies.
Provide a platform for youth reintegration and rehabilitation, especially for at-risk groups.
To Fellow Coordinators Across Nigeria
The summit is not the end. It’s the launchpad. Every state must localize this fire. Let us raise ambassadors, not agitators. Builders, not blamers.
To the youth of Osun and beyond, I say: the future is not a distant event, it is an urgent responsibility.
Let us rise, not as rebels without a cause, but as reformers with a covenant.
Amb. Henry Oyebade is the Osun State Coordinator of the Coalition of Nigerian Youths on Security and Safety Affairs (CONYSSA).
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