Ogun State Prioritises Youth-Led Security Strategies to Build Safer Communities

The Ogun State Government has placed youth empowerment at the heart of its security strategy, emphasising that young people are critical partners in the fight against crime and insecurity. This was revealed by Hon. Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Media and Strategy, during the one-day Youth Security Summit held at the NUT Secretariat, Kuto, Abeokuta on Friday.

The summit, themed “Youth-Led Strategies for Community Security”, was organised by the Ogun State Chapter of the Nigeria Youth Organisation in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development. Akinmade said the youth are not only tomorrow’s leaders but today’s innovators, defenders, and nation-builders.

“Their insight, creativity, and courage are essential to the safety and progress of our state. When young people embrace leadership, insecurity retreats, and communities grow stronger when they lead with purpose,” he said.

Highlighting the administration’s commitment, Akinmade cited landmark initiatives, including the training of over 21,000 youths in vocational and digital skills through OGSTEP and related programmes, as well as strengthening the Amotekun Corps with additional youthful operatives and upgraded operational equipment.

He explained that youth-led security strategies are not about turning young people into policemen but creating structured avenues for meaningful contribution:
“These approaches include community intelligence, digital early-warning tools, civic influence, campus peacebuilding, social media awareness, neighbourhood vigilance, and technology-enabled reporting systems. They capitalise on the unique strengths of our youth — their digital fluency, social engagement, and deep insight into community trends.”

Other achievements highlighted by Akinmade included:

Skills development for over 31,000 residents via the Ogun State Skills Fund, reducing vulnerabilities that contribute to insecurity.
Graduation of the first cohort of CyberSquad Digital Technicians from Ogun TechHub, with plans to scale training to 10,000 youths by 2027.
Expanded anti-cultism campaigns and counselling programmes for at-risk youth.
Rehabilitation pathways for youths affected by drug abuse or crime.
Youth enterprise and skills-acquisition programmes across Local Governments to promote self-reliance.
Improved lighting and safer public spaces in selected corridors to enhance security and evening mobility.

Akinmade also affirmed the Government’s commitment to youth-led communication and security platforms:
“As Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, I have seen firsthand the intelligence, creativity, and resilience of Ogun youths. My office remains committed to advancing youth-led initiatives and the proposed Youth Security Innovation Framework — designed to transform youth-generated ideas into real solutions for community resilience and early detection.”

He urged security Agencies to deepen collaboration with youth groups, stating, “Modern security models thrive on trust, community engagement, and early information flow. Together, we can build a state where every street is safe, every young person has opportunity, and every community stands united in hope and resilience.”

The summit underscored a shared vision between the Ogun State government, youth organisations, and Federal Agencies to ensure that community safety and youth development go hand in hand.