CONYSSA Plans 16-LGA Youth Summit on Social Vices in Taraba

The Coalition of Nigerian Youths on Security and Safety Affairs (CONYSSA), Taraba State Chapter, is set to organise a Youth Stakeholders’ Summit on Social Vices as part of efforts to strengthen youth participation in the fight against insecurity and other social challenges across the state.

The summit, which will cover all 16 local government areas of Taraba State, is being organised in collaboration with the Taraba State Youth Development Agency and relevant security agencies.

The initiative was discussed during a strategic meeting between the Commissioner of Police, Taraba State Command, CP Ogbeghagha, and members of CONYSSA, where deliberations centred on the collective responsibility of stakeholders in tackling security challenges and mobilising young people as responsible ambassadors of peace and security.

The meeting, attended by the Chairman of the Taraba State Youth Development Agency, Hon. Prince Gara Nongha, among other youth stakeholders, focused on issues including illegal mining, drug abuse, kidnapping, banditry, cultism, internet fraud and other social vices affecting young people and communities.

The forthcoming summit is expected to bring together youths, community leaders, traditional institutions, government representatives and security agencies to develop practical and sustainable approaches to addressing social vices and security challenges.

Speaking during a familiarity visit to the Taraba State Police Command in Jalingo, the Director-General of CONYSSA, Ambassador Ade Mario Emmanuel, said the programme would promote meaningful youth participation in community security and crime prevention.

He said research conducted across communities, schools and higher institutions had revealed gaps in cooperation among youths, community leaders, traditional institutions and security agencies.

According to him, the summit would address issues relating to drug abuse, youth involvement in crime, destruction of public infrastructure and human rights.

Security agencies expected to participate in the initiative include the Nigeria Police Force, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Department of State Services (DSS), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and the Nigerian Army.

CP Ogbeghagha commended the youth stakeholders for their commitment to supporting peace and security and encouraged them to continue working closely with the Police and other security agencies.

The Commissioner reiterated that security was a collective responsibility and called on young people and other stakeholders to reject crime, violence and other forms of social disorder while promoting peace, responsible citizenship and positive community engagement.

He stressed the importance of sustained cooperation between the Police, government agencies, youth organisations, civil society and communities in addressing emerging security threats.

The Taraba State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships with government agencies, youth organisations, professional bodies, civil society groups and other stakeholders towards building a safer, more peaceful and secure Taraba State.

The summit is expected to provide a platform for young people and relevant stakeholders across the state's 16 local government areas to discuss practical measures for preventing crime, addressing social vices and strengthening community-based security initiatives.