Ondo Speaker Adesanmi Champions Youth Empowerment to Combat Insecurity
Rt. Hon. Oladiji Olamide Adesanmi, the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, has declared that empowering Nigerian youths is a critical strategy for reducing insecurity across the nation. He made this assertion during the launch of the Funke Fadeni Foundation in Ondo City on Monday, an event held to commemorate the 10th remembrance anniversary of Late Chief Adefunke Fadeni, mother of prominent real estate investor, Engr. (Dr.) Koleola Emmanuel Fadeni.
Meaningful Engagement as a Solution
Adesanmi emphasized that meaningful engagement of young people through education, skills acquisition, and job creation would significantly diminish their susceptibility to criminal activities and social vices. According to him, when youths are productively occupied and economically empowered, they are less likely to be exploited by criminal elements or drawn into acts that threaten national stability.
"Security is not mainly a government affair," Adesanmi stated. "The issue of security is a major one. All hands must be on deck in solving it. Security agencies work on information provided by community members. They're humans and need support of community members to tackle the issue of insecurity."
He acknowledged the efforts of the state governor in tackling insecurity, noting recent employment of about 500 Amotekun personnel to bolster existing security measures.
Foundation's Role in Crime Reduction
The Speaker highlighted the potential impact of the Funke Fadeni Foundation, which has been involved in youth empowerment for years. "Therefore, with the unveiling of the Funke Fadeni Foundation today, which has been in the business of empowering youths over the years, the crime rate will reduce in Ondo State as those who are gainfully employed cannot go into crime," he said.
He praised the foundation's focus on vocational training and other initiatives, having witnessed the number of children it has empowered. Adesanmi called on well-meaning Nigerians, particularly Ondo residents, to emulate the foundation's efforts in empowering citizens to curb insecurity.
Support from KSI Group and Local Leaders
Engr. (Dr.) Koleola Emmanuel Fadeni, Group Managing Director of KSI Group, under which the Funke Fadeni Foundation operates, explained that the foundation had informally conducted humanitarian interventions for over a decade before formalizing its activities. "The only thing that I believe that make me happy in my life is when everybody is okay," he said, detailing efforts to raise people and give them hope in Abuja and Ondo.
Fadeni stressed that while governments are trying their best to curb insecurity, they require support. "This is why we are engaging in the empowerment of Ondo people, to help get them engaged and to curb insecurity," he added, encouraging wealthy individuals to contribute to societal development, even through small-scale projects like road construction.
Ogunduyilemi Kola Joshua, Executive Chairman of Ondo East Local Government, commended the initiative, stating that it complements council efforts in curbing insecurity, with youth empowerment being critical for human development.
Desmond Okunware, Operation Manager of the Funke Fadeni Foundation, assured that the foundation would distinguish itself through mapped-out programs for empowering women and youth, aiming to make a tangible difference in the community.
