Address youth security, summit tells Ekiti gov

The Convener, Southwest Youth Summit, Olumide Fasubaa, has urged the Ekiti State Government to urgently address the security and development concerns of the younger ones.

Fasubaa, who expressed concern for the safety and protection of the youth particularly because of the recent killings in the state capital, called for concerted efforts to stop the trend as he recommended the implementation of taxi routes as a solution.

The South West Youth Summit convener spoke in a statement titled, ‘Appreciation and key concerns for the youth of Ekiti State’, made available to newsmen in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, on Monday.

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.”

Recall that there were four incidents whereby gunmen on motorbikes shot a total of four persons dead in different attacks in the state capital within the last month, the latest being the killing of a woman along NTA Road on Saturday.

Following a police crackdown on criminals’ hideouts and tips off, the law enforcement agents arrested and paraded some individuals, who claimed they were cult members and took responsibility for the killings of the earlier three victims.