Ebonyi: NYCN Mobilises Youths Against Terrorism, Urges Collaboration With Security Agencies

The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ebonyi State Council, has called on youths across the state to collaborate with security agencies in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality threatening national peace and development.

The Chairman of the council in Ebonyi State, Comrade Douglas Ochishi, made the call during a massive anti-terrorism road walk and public sensitisation campaign held in Abakaliki, the state capital. Addressing participants at the event, Ochishi said the campaign formed part of the council's civic responsibility as the apex youth body in the country to mobilise young people against insecurity and other social vices undermining national development.

He stressed that sustainable economic growth, political stability and business development could only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and security. "What the youth of Nigeria under the umbrella of the National Youth Council are saying today is no to terrorism, no to banditry, no to drug abuse, no to social violence and no to every action capable of causing crisis in our communities, our state and the country," he said. According to him, security should not be left to government alone, insisting that every citizen has a responsibility to report suspicious movements and activities capable of undermining public safety. Ochishi commended the participation of security agencies in the rally, describing it as a demonstration of the strong partnership between the council and security institutions in promoting peace and protecting lives and property. "We went round peacefully and returned safely without any incident. That shows what can be achieved when citizens and security agencies work together. Security is everybody's business," he added.

The NYCN chairman also cautioned youths against allowing themselves to be recruited by politicians, community leaders or other individuals to perpetrate violence, warning that those used to foment unrest often bear the consequences long after their sponsors have disappeared. Speaking with journalists after the rally, Ochishi said the sensitisation campaign was necessitated by the rising cases of communal conflicts, terrorism, banditry and other forms of insecurity across the country.

He explained that the council deliberately partnered with various youth organisations and security agencies to send a unified message against violence, particularly as political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of future elections. "You cannot have economic development or political stability where there is insecurity. Peace remains the foundation upon which every meaningful development is built. That is why every Nigerian, especially the youth, must see security as a collective responsibility," he stated. Ochishi commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru for efforts aimed at strengthening the country's security architecture, while urging residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to relevant authorities.

He further disclosed that the NYCN remained committed to youth empowerment through job placement advocacy, skills development programmes and facilitating access to employment and training opportunities for young people. According to him, unemployed graduates and other youths seeking empowerment opportunities are encouraged to register with the council to enable them access relevant government interventions and programmes.

Earlier, speaking on behalf of the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN), Stephen Nwodom described Governor Nwifuru as "a builder of infrastructure and human capacity," commending his administration for creating an enabling environment for youth development and peaceful coexistence. Nwodom also lauded the leadership of Comrade Ochishi for championing initiatives that promote peace and unity among young people, assuring that Christian youths would continue to support programmes aimed at advancing national development.

Similarly, the Coordinator of Ohamadike Global Youth Network, Evangelist Ugochukwu Iteshi, described the campaign as timely and impactful, urging Nigerian youths to reject terrorism, drug abuse and all forms of criminality.

Speaking on behalf of women, Kelly Agom called for greater inclusion of women in leadership and peace-building initiatives, stressing that women have a critical role to play in combating insecurity and promoting sustainable development. The rally attracted representatives of security agencies, youth organisations, civil society groups, women associations, faith-based organisations and hundreds of youths from across the state.