A sociocultural organisation, Apapo Omo Yagba, has raised concerns that the ongoing exploration of mineral resources in Yagbaland has created serious security challenges, stressing the urgent need to strengthen the security system in the area.
Apapo Omo Yagba, formed to champion the well-being of the people across Yagba West, Yagba East, and Mopamuro Local Government Areas in Kogi State, made this known in a communiqué issued on Sunday at the end of the Apapo Yagba Summit, tagged “Unity Summit 2025,” held at the Community Town Hall in Mopa.
The communiqué, jointly signed by Engr. Ayodele Osasona, Chairman, and Hon. Prince Philip Orebiyi, Secretary of the AOY Unity Summit 2025 Organising Committee, appealed to Local Government Chairmen in Yagbaland to collaborate, compare strategies, and work closely with conventional security agencies to tackle insecurity in the region.
“It is also important to have a separate account for security trust funds and put a strategy in place to make the collection and spending of such funds transparent,” the communiqué read.
The group emphasised the need to engage more people outside the AOY platform, particularly commercial drivers and farmers, who are often the primary victims of criminal activities, to enhance collective security efforts.
It was further resolved that Apapo Omo Yagba should continue to support local hunters and other security agents to improve their effectiveness and efficiency.
Turning to infrastructure, the summit expressed dissatisfaction with the poor state of federal roads in Yagbaland, declaring it “no longer acceptable.” It called on all elected and appointed political officeholders, alongside influential sons and daughters of Yagba, to immediately liaise with relevant government agencies to ensure urgent rehabilitation of the roads.
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On broader infrastructural development, participants urged political officeholders, civil servants, business leaders, and other key stakeholders to intensify lobbying efforts for the establishment of federal institutions such as universities, polytechnics, and branches of federal agencies in Yagbaland.
Addressing youth empowerment, the summit recognised the vital role of young people, stressing that the continued underutilisation of their potential through unemployment and underemployment was no longer acceptable.
“It was, however, resolved that all efforts should be made to ensure that our youths are exposed to opportunities, supported, and encouraged by elected and appointed politicians to invest in youth empowerment initiatives,” the communiqué stated.
The summit highlighted the critical importance of investing in infrastructure, with experts warning that without efficient infrastructure, development could remain an illusion. It urged the people of Yagbaland to invest heavily in infrastructure development to secure the future of the region.
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