…..Urges youth, students to promote omoluabi value
The Ekiti State government, has called on the security agencies in the state to shun brutality against youth and students, and focus on providing water-forced security cover that will guarantee safety for the productive population.
The Ekiti State Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Adesola Adedayo, said these in Ado Ekiti, on Wednesday, during a Youth, Students and Security Stakeholders’ Engagement convened by his office to foster synergies among stakeholders.
The Commissioner, saluted the security agencies for partnering to combat crimes and safeguard the lives of Ekiti populace, but insisted that the occasional cases of brutality against youth and students should be halted, for peace and mutual respect to be entrenched in the system.
About the significance of the programme, Adedayo stated that the programme was conceptualised to further raise the safety measures in Ekiti and not intended to diminish their contributions to the peace and stability being enjoyed in the state.
“Every young person deserves to feel secure, valued, and treated justly within the borders of Ekiti.
Trust between the community and security forces is the foundation of effective policing”, he said.
He reminded that the Endsars protest spearheaded by the youths to fight against Police Special Anti Robbers Squad formed a veritable platform for them to chart a new course of action for security agencies in the country, saying the the concerns raised by the youth in that national bedlam should be addressed.
He said: “The #EndSARS movement, which echoed across Nigeria and beyond, served as a turning point and a lesson in understanding the voice and experiences of the youth.
The movement was fueled by grievances that went unaddressed for too long—extortion, excessive profiling, harassment, and abuses of power.
“These were not only cries for reform in policing practices but also calls for respect, empathy, and the fair treatment that every Nigerian deserves under the rule of law. To move forward effectively, we must learn from these grievances and ensure that our security practices reflect the values of fairness and justice.
“Many young men and women have reported that styles such as dreadlocks, braids, and contemporary fashion choices lead to unwarranted scrutiny. Fashion and self-expression are part of the natural ways in which young people express themselves and assert their identities. Globally, the fashion industry is not only an expression of creativity but also a significant economic sector.
“Our youth have the potential to tap into this global industry and excel as designers, models, stylists, and cultural influencers. We see the success of Nigerian artists and designers on international platforms, yet some of our young people hesitate to fully embrace this industry, fearing that their appearance may lead to undue suspicion or association with criminal behavior.
“In light of this, I urge that we view modern fashion as an economic opportunity, not a reason for judgment”.
Adedayo added that another concern raised by the youth, is the routine stopping and searching of their luggage, and phones, which he described as a clear violation of their constitutional rights to privacy.
He said it is imperative that the youth are treated with respect, ensuring that their personal lives are not unjustly scrutinized, Instead, he stated we should channel efforts into professional, intelligence-based policing practices that respect privacy, uphold dignity, and build trust between young people and law enforcement.
In spite of the noticeable foibles in policing system, Adedayo recognized the daily challenges they faced in protecting the communities, saying their professionalism and dedication are appreciated.
“Let us remember that every young person deserves the chance to prove themselves as worthy citizens and future leaders. We cannot deny the unfortunate reality that internet fraud, popularly known as “Yahoo,” drug abuse, and other social vices have gained traction among some of our youth”.
Urging for a restraint on the part of the youth and students, the commissioner charged that they perceive themselves as not only the leaders of tomorrow, but as leaders of today.
“Your actions, decisions, and character are already shaping the future of Ekiti and Nigeria as a whole. As you strive to reach your ambitions, remember that you carry the hopes of your families, communities, and state with you.
“Be a good ambassador, someone who brings pride to our nation and represents the best of Ekiti. Shun all forms of social vices—be it internet fraud, substance abuse, cultism, violence, or any form of criminal activity”.
In his submission, the Director General, Ekiti State Homeland Security, Mr. Dotun Adetuberu, who delivered a paper on “interrogating the causes of crisis between students and security agencies in Ekiti State”, said unnecessary suspicion of youths, may hinder security system and cause endless disharmony in the system.
Adetuberu said indiscriminate harassment of students and conduct of stop and search on the road will continue to trigger crisis and spark off mutual distrust that will impede the intelligence gathering mechanism of the security agencies.