By Enyinna Omoke, Abakaliki
The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ebonyi State Chapter, has declared zero tolerance for terrorism, banditry, drug abuse and other forms of criminality, calling on young people to take an active role in promoting peace, security and national unity.
The declaration was made during a massive anti-terrorism road walk and public sensitisation campaign held in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, and led by the State Chairman of the council, Comrade Douglas Ochishi.
Addressing participants, Ochishi said the campaign formed part of the council’s civic responsibility as Nigeria’s apex youth body to mobilise young people against insecurity and other social vices threatening national development.
He stressed that sustainable economic growth, political stability and business development could only flourish in a peaceful and secure environment.
“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.
Ochishi maintained that security should not be left solely to government, urging citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements and activities capable of undermining public safety.
He commended the participation of security agencies in the exercise, describing it as evidence of the strong partnership between the council and security institutions in safeguarding 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 warned youths against allowing themselves to be recruited by politicians, community leaders or other individuals to perpetrate violence, noting that those used to foment unrest often suffer the consequences after their sponsors have moved on.
Speaking with journalists after the rally, Ochishi explained that the sensitisation campaign was prompted by the increasing cases of communal conflicts, terrorism, banditry and other security challenges across the country.
He said the council deliberately partnered with various youth organisations and security agencies to deliver a unified message against violence, particularly as political activities gradually 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 said.
Ochishi commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru for efforts aimed at strengthening the nation’s security architecture, while urging residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to relevant authorities.
He further disclosed that the NYCN remains committed to youth empowerment through job placement advocacy, skills acquisition programmes and connecting unemployed youths with employment opportunities and government intervention initiatives.
According to him, unemployed graduates and other young people seeking empowerment opportunities are encouraged to register with the council’s office to enable them access relevant training, employment and support programmes.
