Summit advises Ekiti government to address youth security

The Ekiti State Government has been encouraged to take immediate action to address the security and development concerns of the younger generation by Olumide Fasubaa, Convener of the Southwest Youth Summit.

Fasubaa asked for coordinated measures to halt the trend and suggested the introduction of taxi routes as a solution. He voiced concern for the safety and protection of the youth, especially in light of the recent killings in the state capital.

In a statement released to reporters on Monday in Ado Ekiti, the state capital of Ekiti, the convener of the South West young Summit expressed gratitude and highlighted important issues facing the state’s young.

He also frowned at “Instances where the security apparatus meant to protect and ensure the safety of our youths end up harassing and extorting them through various means”, as he implored the state government “To intervene and put an end to such maltreatment of youths in Ekiti State.”

He said, “The summit remains committed to advocating for the welfare and development of the Ekiti State and Southwest youths. We appreciate the government’s efforts in promoting youth engagement and we urge the state government to address the concerns raised and take proactive steps in ensuring the safety, well-being and empowerment of the young population.”

Fasubaa lauded Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, “for recognising the importance of youth engagement and empowerment and for actively involving the younger generation in decision-making processes”.

He said, “The summit passes a vote of confidence in Gold Adedayo, the Commissioner for Youth Development in Ekiti State, for his dedication, leadership role and commitment to serving all youth community organisations in Ekiti State.”

However, Fasubaa said, “We wish to bring to the attention of the Ekiti State Government several major concerns raised by the youth, particularly regarding security issues. As the youth make up 70 per cent of the population of Ekiti State, it is crucial to address their safety concerns”.

He called on security agencies to, instead of ‘extorting and harassing’ youths, “focus primarily on securing the lives and properties of citizens, especially during this period of rampant and serial killings of Ekiti indigenes”.

He stated, “We recommend that the government establishes partnerships with transport unions to curb this menace. Specifically, we propose the implementation of taxi transportation services along routes from Fajuyi to Bank Road, Bank Road to Poly Satellite Road, Poly Route to Ejigbo Roundabout, and Ejigbo Roundabout to Odo Ado to Poly Road.

“This will help reduce the frequency of these unlawful killings, as we have noticed that many of these recurring attacks are carried out by motorcycle riders. If we have designated taxis operating along these routes, it will significantly reduce the occurrence of such harmful acts against innocent people in Ekiti State.

“Additionally, we call on the state government to prioritize industrialization by establishing key industries in the state. We propose increasing awareness about the activities and affairs of Obafemi Awolowo Civic Centre in Ado Ekiti among the youth. By doing so, we can enhance social activities and promote unity among the youth, ultimately fostering a closer-knit community.”

Remember that over the course of the past month, there have been four separate events in the state capital where gunmen on motorcycles killed four people in various attacks. The most recent of these occurrences occurred on Saturday and involved the death of a woman on NTA Road.

After a police raid on the hideouts of criminals and tips received, some people who claimed to be members of a cult and to have killed the previous three victims were detained and paraded by the police.