Prominent leaders across Nigeria have issued a powerful call for unity and collaboration among all stakeholders to decisively tackle the nation's escalating security crisis and address the underlying causes of youth restiveness.
Virtual Conference Highlights Urgent Need for Cohesion
The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, emphasized that a united front is the only solution to rid the nation of insecurity and the mindless destruction of lives and property. He made this declaration at a virtual International Conference organized by Yoruba One Voice (YOV) Worldwide on 6 December 2025. The event was titled ‘The Importance of Unity in Strengthening Security and Preventing Genocide in Yorubaland.’
Adams pointed to a critical failure in coordination, noting "weak coordination among security actors occasioned by poor collaboration between government security agencies, local vigilantes, traditional institutions, and civil society." He argued that unity would close dangerous gaps in intelligence gathering, sharing, and response times to security incidents.
"Unity is the bedrock upon which peace and security are built," Adams stated. "In Yorubaland, our strength lies in our ability to come together as one people, transcending differences of origin, religion, or language. When we unite, we create a formidable force that can effectively safeguard our communities."
Proposed Measures and Southwest Governors' Action
Adams revealed that as part of the necessary cooperation, governors of the six Southwest states have approved the creation of a Southwest Security Fund (SWSF) and a joint intelligence-sharing system. He commended this move as a direct answer to the calls for unity he and others have championed.
He further urged the governors to extend their support to Yoruba-speaking communities in Kogi and Kwara States, advocating for inclusive meetings with traditional rulers and community leaders to design strategies to stop kidnappings and killings.
Other speakers at the conference echoed the urgency. The Parakoyi Aare Ona Kakanfo, Prof. Kolawole Raheem, called for collective action against bandits aiming to displace Yoruba people. Guest speaker Prof. Adetayo Olurotimi Ogunlewe warned of a systematic targeting of Yorubaland that could escalate into genocide if unaddressed, calling for a vicious clearance of bandits from their hideouts.
The conference concluded with key recommendations:
- Establishing a Yoruba Security Coordination Framework for better cooperation among vigilantes, security agencies, and traditional rulers.
- Holding regular security stakeholder meetings to share ideas and strategies.
- Increasing local and international advocacy to raise awareness about threats to Yoruba communities.
- Supporting grassroots initiatives to strengthen traditional security structures within legal frameworks.
Rivers Monarch Advocates for Youth Empowerment
In a parallel appeal focusing on the Niger Delta region, HRH King Osoma Natrebo Enos Iwo, a traditional ruler in the Ngeribarama community, Degema Local Council of Rivers State, linked insecurity directly to youth unemployment. Speaking during his recent coronation, the monarch urged stakeholders to invest meaningfully in community development to curb restiveness.
He highlighted the long-standing security challenges plaguing Rivers State: "militancy, vandalism of pipelines, cult-related violence, sea piracy, oil theft, and general youth restiveness." These factors, he noted, have disrupted oil production and displaced communities.
"As a king, I will partner with companies, NGOs, and the government to redirect our youths not to do oil bunkering or other crimes but to engage in productive ventures, honest labour, and godly living," King Iwo pledged.
His practical solution centers on aquaculture. He called on private companies, NGOs, and government ministries to:
- Invest in fish-farming infrastructure and training.
- Provide specialized credit facilities and workshops on modern aquaculture.
- Build local capacity in fish processing and marketing.
King Iwo also identified education as the most striking deficit in Ngeribarama and appealed for partnerships to provide educational facilities. He urged the Rivers State government and civil society to channel development initiatives to his community, concluding: "This throne is not mine alone; it belongs to every son and daughter of Ngeribarama. Let us walk together in peace, build together in love, work together for prosperity."
The unified message from these leaders in the southwest and south-south regions is clear: ending Nigeria's insecurity requires a dual approach of robust, collaborative security measures and sustainable economic empowerment for the nation's teeming youth.
