Gov. Uzodimma’s Commissioner for Youth Devt, security agencies, stakeholders call for youth involvement in tackling insecurity

Report by Fredrick Njoku

The Imo Youth Stakeholders Security Summit was held on May 9, 2025, at the Rockview Hotel, Owerri, with a resounding call for youths across the state to take active roles in addressing insecurity, especially, in Imo state.

The theme of the summit, “Imo Safety: The Responsibility of the Youth of Imo State,” underscored the urgency and importance of youth participation in creating a safer and more secure society.

The summit drew a wide range of participants, including representatives from the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Department of Security  Services (DSS), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Chairman of Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, and South East Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM,  Eze Dr E. C Okeke CFR,  youth leaders from Imo State’s 556 autonomous communities, members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), religious leaders, celebrities, and other distinguished stakeholders.

Declaring the summit open, the Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development and Talent Hunt, Dr. Ukaegbu Mandela (MBBS), welcomed participants and conveyed the goodwill of the Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma, who was unavoidably absent due to an official engagement with the  Vice President, Alhaji Kashim Shettima.

Dr. Mandela explained that the summit was borne out of a state-wide tour by his Ministry, during which they engaged directly with youths in all 27 local government areas  to listen to their challenges. The insights gathered formed the basis for organizing the summit. He emphasized the governor’s deep commitment to youth development and security, stating that the governor personally approved the summit to ensure that youths were adequately informed and empowered, to contribute to on-going security strategies.

He further noted that the relative peace currently enjoyed in the state was only made possible by divine help and the proactive leadership of the governor. He urged the youths to avoid apathy and embrace a sense of responsibility,  by reporting suspicious activities and engaging in community-based security solutions.

The Honourable Commissioner for Homeland Security and Vigilante Affairs, Hon. Osakwe Modestus, gave a detailed presentation on youth demographics and the strategic importance of youth involvement in modern security management. He highlighted the challenges impeding youth participation and suggested actionable ways to overcome them.

Top security officials, including the representative of Brigadier General I.M. Abbas (34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze), Imo State Commissioner of Police,  Aboki Danjuma, DSS Director Mr. Sola Aguda, NSCDC Commandant Mr. Basil C. Igwebueze, and NDLEA Commandant, also spoke at length on the root causes of insecurity. They identified youth unemployment, substance abuse, and idleness, as key drivers of crime and insecurity.

The speakers urged young people to acquire vocational and digital skills, pursue meaningful engagements, and become community watchdogs to help curb crime and promote lasting peace.

Rev. Fr. Prof. P.A. Ogbonna, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council, Imo State University, provided a moral and academic perspective on the need for youth vigilance and civic responsibility.

A major highlight of the summit was the presentation of Peace Ambassador awards to notable individuals for their contributions to youth development and peace-building. Recipients included, Nollywood actor Harry B, World heavyweight Champion on weightlifting Kennedy Nwamkpa, and Hon. Chief Goodluck Nwaneri. The awards were presented by dignitaries such as DCP Linus Nwaiwu (representing the Commissioner of Police), Hon. Osakwe Modestus, Rev. Fr. Prof. P.A. Ogbonna, and Hon. Francis Oluwatosin Shoga, Director General of the City Boy Movement, who attended with his entourage. In a related development members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Imo State branch used the occasion to honour the Honourable Commissioner for Youth Dev. Dr. Ukaegbu Mandela for his outstanding service to the government and youths of Imo State. They prayed to God to grant him more strength to continue leading the youth to greater height.

The summit concluded with a strong consensus on the need for consistent youth engagement in the state’s security architecture. Stakeholders agreed that building a secure and peaceful Imo State depends heavily on the active involvement, empowerment, and moral reawakening of its youth.