The National Youth Council of Nigeria, Ebonyi State Chapter, has declared zero tolerance for terrorism, banditry, drug abuse and other forms of criminality, calling on young Nigerians to become active partners in promoting peace, security and national unity.
The declaration was made during a large-scale anti-terrorism road walk and public sensitisation campaign held in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital.
Leading the exercise, the State Chairman of the NYCN, Comrade Douglas Ochishi, said the campaign formed part of the council’s civic responsibility to mobilise young people against insecurity and other social vices threatening national development.
According to him, sustainable economic growth, business development and political stability can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and security.
Ochishi urged youths to reject terrorism, banditry, drug abuse, violence and every act capable of disrupting the peace of their communities and the nation.
He also stressed that maintaining security should not be left to government alone, encouraging citizens to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities to relevant security agencies.
The NYCN chairman commended the participation of security agencies in the awareness campaign, describing it as evidence of effective collaboration between youth organisations and law enforcement agencies in safeguarding lives and property.
He further warned young people against allowing themselves to be used by politicians or other individuals to perpetrate violence, noting that those recruited to cause unrest often bear the consequences long after their sponsors have moved on.
Speaking after the rally, Ochishi explained that the sensitisation campaign was organised in response to growing concerns over communal conflicts, terrorism, banditry and other security challenges affecting different parts of the country.
He noted that the campaign also aimed to promote peaceful participation as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of future elections.
While commending Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Francis Nwifuru for ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, he urged residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing useful information that could help prevent crime.
Ochishi also reaffirmed the council’s commitment to youth empowerment through skills acquisition programmes, job placement advocacy and connecting unemployed youths with employment opportunities and government intervention initiatives.
He encouraged interested young people to register with the NYCN office to benefit from available empowerment, training and employment programmes.
