The Kwara South Students Association, a group of students from the Kwara South senatorial district, has appealed to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State to formulate a security template through comprehensive stakeholders’ engagement.
In a communiqué read at a stakeholders’ summit in Ilorin, the state capital, themed “Empowering Youths Against Insecurity,” the students’ body, led by its president, Adeshina Abubakar Ayoola, stressed the need to involve critical stakeholders, including security agents, traditional rulers, local government chairmen, religious leaders, and vigilantes, to identify the root causes of insecurity in the Kwara South district.
The association said it was committed to creating awareness about insecurity to fast-track actions towards a holistic solution to the menace that had threatened the existence of the Kwara South district.
Experts who delivered papers at the summit advocated youth empowerment to promote safety and prevent crime.
The summit, which highlighted the need for improved social amenities in rural areas to reduce rural-urban migration and vulnerability to kidnappings, encouraged the governor to continue his resolve towards entrenching strategic security initiatives.
In their presentations, Professor Abifarin and the former Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Ajayi Okasanmi, highlighted the vital roles youth play in promoting safety and security within their communities.
They stressed the importance of youth involvement in community security initiatives, saying that, “Youth can play a vital role in promoting safety and security within their communities by volunteering, organizing awareness campaigns, and collaborating with local authorities, including volunteering for community policing initiatives, organizing workshops on security awareness, and building relationships with law enforcement agents.
“Students in Kwara South can establish school security clubs, participate in community service, and collaborate with local authorities to address security concerns.”
The experts emphasised the importance of mentorship programmes, training, and partnerships in promoting security initiatives.
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“By involving youth in community security initiatives, communities can tap into their energy and creativity to promote safety and prevent crime,” they said.
The group, which commended Governor Abdulrazaq for his efforts in promoting security in the state, hailed his administration for erecting the tallest security signpost in West Africa, “strategically located at Unity Roundabout, Ilorin, including the distribution of over 1,000 motorcycles to security actors to reinforce the fight against criminal elements.”
The resolution of the summit was jointly signed by the association’s executives and other stakeholders, including the Dean of Law, University of Oye, Professor Femi Abifarin; former PPRO, Kwara State Police Command, SP Ajayi Okasanmi; SP Charles Nwokono, representative of the Commissioner of Police; Dr T. D. Adeniyi; and Inspector Peter Sunday John.
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