Keynotes Address By Hon. Kolawole Babatunde At The Multi- Stakeholders Summit Organized by CONYSSA
BEING THE TEXT OF AN ADDRESS DELIVERED BY HON. KOLAWOLE BABATUNDE, FCIPA, ALBS, AS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DAY AT THE YOUTH MULTI-STAKEHOLDERS SUMMIT ON SOCIAL VICES ORGANIZED BY THE COALITION OF NIGERIA YOUTHS ON SECURITY AND SAFETY AFFAIRS (CONYSSA) HELD ON WEDNESDAY, 26TH MARCH, 2025 AT THE ROYAL BIRDS HOTEL, ALAGBAKA, AKURE, ONDO STATE.
Protocols:
His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Hon. (Dr.) Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa;
The Leadership of the Coalition of Nigeria Youths on Security and Safety Affairs (CONYSSA);
Royal Fathers and Community Leaders;
Distinguished Guests, Security Experts, and Stakeholders;
Our Vibrant Youths and Future Leaders;
Gentlemen of the Press;
Ladies and Gentlemen.
I am honoured to stand before you today as the Chairman of this timely and important summit, convened to address one of the most pressing issues facing our society – youth involvement in social vices and crimes that threaten the peace, security, and economic stability of our beloved Ondo State and Nigeria at large.
Let me begin by commending the organizers of this event, the Coalition of Nigeria Youths on Security and Safety Affairs (CONYSSA), for their vision and commitment to youth engagement in national security. Your initiative demonstrates that young people are not just part of the problem but are also an essential part of the solution.
The Urgency of the Fight Against Social Vices
Nigeria is blessed with a large youthful population, full of potential, creativity, and resilience. However, we cannot ignore the increasing involvement of our youth in destructive activities such as cultism, internet fraud, money laundering, drug abuse, kidnapping, child trafficking, and economic sabotage. These vices are eroding the very fabric of our society and threatening our collective future.
From our schools to our communities, cultism has led to senseless violence, leaving families in mourning. Internet fraud and money laundering have given rise to a false sense of wealth, destroying the reputation of hardworking Nigerians. Drug abuse has wasted the lives of many promising youths, while kidnapping and child trafficking have torn families apart. Economic sabotage, including the destruction of public assets and financial crimes, continues to hinder national development.
This is not the Ondo State of our dreams. This is not the Nigeria we desire. The time to act is now!
Uniting Ondo Youths Against Crime and Social Vices
The fight against these vices is not the responsibility of the government alone. It requires a collective effort—parents, educators, religious leaders, community heads, security agencies, and, most importantly, you, the youth.
To effectively unite against these societal ills, we must embrace the following strategies:
1. Changing the Mindset of Young People
Many young people engage in crime due to poverty, peer pressure, and a lack of proper guidance. We must redefine success and teach our youth that wealth without hard work is temporary and dangerous. Through mentorship, career guidance, and value reorientation, we can shape a generation that values honesty and integrity.
2. Strengthening Law Enforcement and Community Policing
While security agencies are doing their best to combat crime, we must support them through intelligence gathering and community policing. Every young person must become a security ambassador in their neighborhood, exposing criminals and resisting any temptation to be recruited into crime.
3. Expanding Youth Empowerment Opportunities
Many youths turn to crime out of desperation. It is our responsibility to provide alternative pathways to success. Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s administration is committed to youth development through skill acquisition programs, vocational training, entrepreneurship funding, and job creation initiatives. I urge you all to take advantage of these opportunities rather than fall into crime.
4. Promoting Digital Literacy and Ethical Use of Technology
Technology has opened endless possibilities, yet some youths misuse it for internet fraud and cybercrime. Instead of engaging in illegal activities, why not explore ethical tech opportunities like software development, data analysis, e-commerce, and digital marketing? The future belongs to those who innovate, not those who scam.
5. Tackling Drug Abuse and Cultism at the Grassroots
Drug abuse has become a silent epidemic among our youth, fueling violence and criminality. Schools, religious bodies, and community organizations must work together to rehabilitate addicts and educate young people on the dangers of substance abuse. Cultism should be exposed for what it truly is – a destructive and senseless enterprise that only leads to destruction.
6. Strengthening Family and Community Values
The family remains the first line of defense against crime. Parents must be actively involved in the upbringing of their children, instilling good morals, discipline, and a sense of responsibility. Our communities must also rise against criminal tendencies by refusing to harbor criminals or glorify ill-gotten wealth.
The Role of Government and Stakeholders
The Ondo State government is committed to tackling insecurity and crime. The establishment of the Amotekun Corps has significantly reduced criminal activities in our state.
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has implemented several initiatives to enhance the state’s security architecture:
1. Provision of Operational Vehicles and Equipment: In February 2024, Governor Aiyedatiwa announced plans to procure vehicles and gadgets for security agencies to improve the safety of lives and property. By July 2024, he handed over 25 Hilux vehicles to various security agencies, marking the first batch aimed at boosting security operations.
2. Strengthening Security Operations: The Governor has consistently reviewed the state’s security framework, collaborating with security agencies to ensure a proactive approach to preventing unrest. In January 2025, he approved ongoing training programs for investigators and prosecutors to enhance their effectiveness and announced plans to establish the Governor’s Task Force Against Cultism to combat cult-related activities.
3. Inter-Agency Collaboration: Emphasizing the importance of synergy among security agencies, Governor Aiyedatiwa has recently launched Operation Daada as part of the present administration’s coordinated efforts to protect border communities and address peculiar security challenges, such as kidnappings and killings by herdsmen. There is greater harmonious working relations amongst all the different security outfits in the state under the Operation Daada initiative.
These measures reflect Governor Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to fortifying Ondo State’s security architecture and ensuring the well-being of its residents.
However, security is a collective responsibility. We must all support policies and initiatives that strengthen law enforcement and deter crime.
Additionally, I call on religious institutions, civil society organizations, and traditional rulers to play a greater role in sensitizing young people against these vices. Together, we can build a society that upholds hard work, discipline, and integrity.
A Call to Action: Be the Change You Want to See
My dear young people, let me leave you with this challenge: What legacy do you want to be remembered for? Will you be known as a youth who contributed to national development or one who destroyed lives through crime?
You have the power to shape the future. Say NO to cultism. Say NO to internet fraud. Say NO to money laundering. Say NO to drug abuse. Say NO to kidnapping. Say NO to child trafficking. Say NO to economic sabotage. Instead, embrace education, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
Ondo State is blessed with great minds, talented individuals, and hardworking youths. Let us unite for a brighter future, a safer society, and a prosperous Ondo State.
Together, we can defeat crime. Together, we can build a better tomorrow.
God bless the youths of Ondo State!
God bless Ondo State!
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Thank you.
