ABUJA — The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd), has declared that insecurity in the country can become a thing of the past if young people are effectively mobilized and integrated into national security efforts.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Vice Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement Youth Organization (NAMYO), Africa Region, Muhammad Bello Bala Shagari, and his delegation, the Minister emphasized that Nigerian youths are central to resolving the nation’s security challenges.
Gen. Musa stressed that with proper coordination, structured support, and sustained cooperation between youth groups and security agencies, significant progress can be made in tackling insecurity and youth restiveness across the country.
“Young people are central to resolving insecurity,” he said, noting that when their energy and capacity are positively engaged, they can become powerful agents of peace and stability.
The Minister expressed readiness to support youth-driven platforms aimed at promoting civic responsibility and national unity, describing collaboration with credible youth organizations as a strategic pathway to strengthening internal security.
He further assured that the Ministry of Defence remains open to partnerships that advance peacebuilding initiatives, stating that his doors are always open to constructive engagement with young people.
The visit also highlighted the newly launched NAMYO Volunteer Network (NVN), a structured digital platform designed to mobilize youths for community service, leadership development and civic engagement in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Gen. Musa reiterated that defeating insecurity requires a whole-of-society approach, underscoring the need for synergy between communities, young people and security institutions.
According to him, when youths are given the right direction and institutional backing, they become critical stakeholders in safeguarding the nation’s peace and stability.