Oriontimes Political Desk August 12, 2026
The Coalition of Nigerian Youths on Security and Safety Affairs (CONYSSA) has urged Nigerian youths to rise above violence, intolerance and criminality and take the lead in building a peaceful, secure and prosperous nation.
The call was made by the National President of CONYSSA, Amb. Ade-Mario Emmanuel, in a statement marking the 2026 International Youth Day, themed “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”
Amb. Ade-Mario described Nigerian youths as one of the country's greatest assets, stressing that their energy, creativity, resilience and innovation must be channelled towards nation-building, conflict resolution and community development.
“Nigeria cannot attain lasting peace and sustainable development without the active participation of its young people. Across our communities, young Nigerians have continued to demonstrate courage, innovation and resilience despite prevailing economic and security challenges. These qualities must now be channelled towards nation-building, conflict resolution and community development,” he said.
The CONYSSA National President called on young Nigerians to reject violence, cultism, kidnapping, terrorism, cybercrime, drug abuse, ethnic and religious intolerance, hate speech and other activities capable of undermining national peace and stability.
He urged youths to become ambassadors of peace by embracing dialogue, volunteerism, entrepreneurship, civic responsibility and active participation in community initiatives that promote safety and social cohesion.
According to him, national security should not be viewed solely as the responsibility of security agencies, but as a collective responsibility requiring patriotism, vigilance, mutual respect and responsible citizenship.
“Every young Nigerian has a role to play in safeguarding our communities. National security is not the exclusive responsibility of security agencies; it is a shared responsibility that demands patriotism, vigilance, mutual respect and collective action. Our future depends on the choices we make today.”
Amb. Ade-Mario acknowledged the achievements of Nigerian youths across entrepreneurship, technology, agriculture, education, sports, public service and the creative industry, but noted that unemployment, limited opportunities and other socio-economic challenges continue to expose millions of young people to vulnerability.
He therefore called on the Federal Government, state governments, development partners, private sector organisations and civil society groups to intensify investment in youth education, skills acquisition, innovation, job creation and leadership development.
He stressed that empowering young Nigerians remains one of the most effective pathways to strengthening national security and achieving sustainable development.
“When youths are empowered, they become partners in development rather than victims of circumstance. Investing in young people is investing in a peaceful, secure and prosperous Nigeria.”
Amb. Ade-Mario reaffirmed CONYSSA's commitment to promoting youth participation in peacebuilding, security advocacy, policy dialogue and community engagement through sustained awareness campaigns, leadership development programmes and strategic partnerships with government institutions, security agencies and other stakeholders.
He also commended young Nigerians serving in the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, security and emergency agencies, healthcare institutions, educational establishments, humanitarian organisations and other sectors of the economy, describing their contributions and sacrifices as evidence of the patriotism and resilience of Nigerian youths.
As Nigeria joins the global community to commemorate International Youth Day, Amb. Ade-Mario urged young people to see themselves not merely as beneficiaries of national development but as active participants in shaping the country's future.
“Let this occasion inspire every young Nigerian to become a bridge-builder, a problem-solver and a champion of peace. Together, we can build a nation where security is strengthened, opportunities are expanded and every young person has the platform to succeed.”
He assured that CONYSSA would continue to mobilise Nigerian youths towards building safer communities, strengthening national unity and advancing sustainable development.
The organisation congratulated Nigerian youths on the occasion of International Youth Day 2026 and called on them to remain united in promoting peace, patriotism, responsible citizenship and respect for the rule of law.
Signed:
Maryam Aminu
Director, Directorate of Media, CONYSSA
For:
Amb. Ade-Mario Emmanuel
National President
Coalition of Nigerian Youths on Security and Safety Affairs (CONYSSA)
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