Oriontimes News Desk | July 31, 2026
....Says They Are Nigeria's First Line of Defence
LAGOS – The Director General of the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs (CONYSSA), Ambassador Ade Mario Emmanuel, has called for greater youth inclusion in Nigeria's security architecture, declaring that no nation can achieve lasting peace and stability without the active participation of its young people.
Speaking during the Lagos State Youth Multi-Stakeholders' Security Summit, Ambassador Emmanuel described the gathering as a defining moment in the campaign to mobilize Nigerian youths as strategic partners in promoting community safety and national development.
Delivering his welcome address, he stressed that security should not be viewed as the exclusive responsibility of the military, police, civil defence, and other security agencies, but as a shared obligation requiring collective action from every citizen.
"A nation that leaves its youths outside its security architecture is unknowingly leaving its future in the hands of insecurity," he declared.
According to him, Nigeria's youthful population possesses the energy, creativity, technological skills, and community presence needed to identify emerging threats, support early-warning systems, and promote peaceful coexistence at the grassroots.
He noted that the same youthful energy often exploited for cultism, cybercrime, drug abuse, and other social vices can be redirected toward nation-building through proper engagement, mentorship, and civic responsibility.
Ambassador Emmanuel explained that CONYSSA was established not to replace existing security agencies but to complement their efforts by raising security-conscious citizens, strengthening community partnerships, and encouraging responsible youth participation in safeguarding lives and property.
"Our mission has always been to build responsible citizens who understand that security is everyone's responsibility," he said.
The CONYSSA Director General urged participants to move beyond discussions by translating lessons from the summit into practical actions within their communities.
He encouraged teachers to promote responsible citizenship in schools, community leaders to strengthen neighbourhood vigilance, entrepreneurs to create opportunities that discourage crime, and professionals across various sectors to use their influence in advancing peace and security.
Addressing the participants, Ambassador Emmanuel charged them to remain steadfast in their commitment to national development.
"Never abandon your duty post. The struggle for peace, justice, and security is won by those who remain committed despite challenges," he said.
He further warned that Nigeria's future depends on the willingness of its citizens to contribute positively, stressing that no foreign nation would build the country on behalf of Nigerians.
Calling for stronger collaboration, the CONYSSA boss reaffirmed the organisation's readiness to partner with government institutions, security agencies, traditional rulers, educational institutions, faith-based organisations, civil society groups, the private sector, and youth associations in promoting sustainable peace.
He maintained that collaboration remains the foundation for achieving long-term security and national transformation.
The summit,
themed "The Role of Lagos State Youth in Complementing Security Agencies' Efforts Against Social Vices," brought together youth leaders, security experts, government officials, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, educational stakeholders, and other key actors to deliberate on practical strategies for strengthening community security and combating social vices.
Ambassador Emmanuel concluded by urging young Nigerians to become a generation remembered not for the problems they created but for the solutions they championed.
"We must raise responsible youths who will build a Nigeria where peace is normal, justice is respected, and security is everyone's responsibility," he said.
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