ETIM EFFIONG
The Progressive Youths Association in Ikorodu, Lagos State, in association with the National Youth Council of Nigeria in Ikorodu, Lagos State, has pledged to partner with security agencies to tackle security challenges in the area.
President, PYA, Mr Anuoluwapo Taiwo, said this on Monday at the maiden edition of Youths Security Summit, held at Isawo area of Ikorodu.
Community leaders, representatives of the police, army, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigeria Civil Defence Corps, Department of State Services and Lagos Neighborhood Safety Corps, were present at the meeting.
Taiwo said that Isawo community was regarded as a volatile area known for oil bunkering, pipeline vandalism, and cultism.
“This association has found it important to collaborate with security agencies in curbing crime. Apart from that, we also sensitise youths to the effect of using hard drugs.
“Recently, there had been incidents of attack and cult killings among youths in the community. But with this kind of programme, we can change the narrative and re-orientate them,” Taiwo said.
He advised youths to shun criminality and use of hard drugs in order to be better citizens and be committed to the development of their community and the country at large.
At the summit also is the Secretary, Ikorodu West Community Development Committee, Mr Sunday Abiodun, said the summit was taking place to make the residents more security conscious of the environment.
Abiodun thanked the security agencies for their efforts in curtailing crime and their quick response to distress calls but urged them to do more in checking cult activities in the community.
He also commended the effort of the Lagos State House of Assembly over the passage of the cultism bill, noting that it would go a long way in curbing such activities in the state.