Youth Empowerment at the Forefront as Kano Hosts North-West Security Summit

Maryam Aminu

Kano State on Wednesday highlighted the critical link between youth engagement and regional security as it hosted the North-West Multi-Stakeholders Security Summit, convening government officials, security agencies, community leaders, and youth representatives.

The summit, organised by the Coalition of Nigerian Youths on Security and Safety Affairs (CONYSSA) in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, was designed not only to address insecurity but also to spotlight the role of young people as catalysts for peace and development.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who was honoured with the Outstanding Leadership Award and decorated as an Icon of Security Ambassador, urged youths to channel their energy into productive ventures, skills acquisition, and entrepreneurship, stressing that sustainable security begins with empowered citizens.
“Youths are the backbone of our communities. When they are engaged positively, we see a dramatic reduction in crime and social vices. The government is committed to creating opportunities, and young people must seize them,” Governor Yusuf said.

Ambassador Ade-Mario Emmanuel, Director-General of CONYSSA, reinforced this view, calling for stronger government support for both youth initiatives and security agencies.

He argued that well-empowered youths are less likely to be drawn into criminal networks and more likely to contribute to social stability.
The summit also featured contributions from security agencies, including the NDLEA and EFCC, who emphasised partnerships with credible organisations to curb drug abuse and financial crimes, two key drivers of insecurity among young people.

A keynote lecture on “Security Challenges in Northern Nigeria” by security consultant Dr. Yahuza Getso, represented by Mr. Ahmad Rufai, highlighted the need for sustained collaboration between government, communities, and youths to achieve long-term peace.

By shifting the conversation from enforcement alone to youth inclusion and empowerment, Kano State’s summit underscored a growing recognition that the solution to insecurity in the North-West lies not just in policing but in preparing young people for meaningful roles in society.