OYECDO President, Chinedu Ogwus, Calls for United Action Against Social Vices at Youth Summit

  By Genesis ogiri, Abuja 

European Engineer (Eur Ing)

Ambassador Dr. Chinedu Ogwus, President of the Ogwus Youth Empowerment and Community Development Organization (OYECDO), has called on Nigerian youth and national stakeholders to unite in the fight against escalating social vices, including cultism, drug abuse, and internet fraud. Speaking at the Nigerian Youths Multi-Stakeholders Summit in Abuja, he stressed the urgent need for preventive strategies and youth-focused policies to secure Nigeria’s future.

Addressing an audience that included government officials, civil society leaders, educators, and youth advocates, Dr. Ogwus lamented the alarming rise in cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime (popularly known as Yahoo Yahoo), child trafficking, money laundering, and economic sabotage.

According to Dr. Chinedu Ogwus, “These are not just isolated problems—they are national crises that threaten our unity, peace, security, economy, and the future of our young people. They hinder development and stall our progress as a nation.”

At a recent summit, Dr. Ogwus emphasized the urgent need to address the root causes of youth-related social vices in Nigeria. He identified poverty, unemployment, weak law enforcement, poor access to quality education, and harmful media content as key drivers of the problem.

Engr. Ogwus described the summit as a timely and significant milestone for youth development, emphasizing its potential to catalyze lasting change and deliver tangible benefits to young Nigerians. He noted that such summits should be organized regularly to bring young people together to discuss pressing national issues, particularly in the areas of security, fraud, cybercrime, and the nation's security architecture.

Dr. Ogwus called for a proactive, preventive approach by the government, proposing a comprehensive, multi-dimensional strategy focused on empowering youth and strengthening communities. He recommended structural interventions such as subsidized education and guaranteed job placements for outstanding graduates, to ensure academic excellence translates into tangible opportunities.

Engr. Ogwus advised increased government investment in youth-led startups and vocational training programs to equip young Nigerians with practical skills and resources for sustainable livelihoods, noting that such initiatives would significantly help curb crime and reduce unemployment.

To bolster law enforcement, Dr. Ogwus advocated for better training, improved welfare packages, and modern equipment for officers, ensuring they are motivated and capable of maintaining public security.

Recognizing the power of influence, he stressed the need to promote positive youth role models in sports, the arts, and entrepreneurship, as a counterbalance to negative societal influences. He also recommended judicial reforms for fairness and transparency, regulation of harmful media content, and expanded surveillance to deter criminal activity.

Youth President Ogwus has called for greater youth inclusion in governance and environmental initiatives, asserting that directly engaging young people in nation-building is vital for long-term change amid the country’s current challenges. He emphasized that such inclusion is essential to ensure that youth are not only part of the solutions but also actively involved in ongoing national engagement.

The Humanitarian Ambassador, Chinedu, citing successful models from countries like Germany, Singapore, South Korea, Canada, and the United States, urged Nigeria to develop its own holistic approach grounded in empowerment, equity, and integrity—emphasizing that the nation has the resources to secure its future and deliver lasting benefits for generations to come.

In a media briefing with Newsway Reporters, Dr. Ogwus highlighted several key milestones achieved by OYECDO as part of its 2025 outreach initiatives. He noted a significant reduction in fraudulent crude oil bunkering activities in Rivers State, attributing this progress to effective youth reorientation and community engagement programs led by the organization. He emphasized that as more individuals involved in such illegal activities are gradually surrendering, it reflects a growing trust in peaceful, lawful alternatives and the impact of sustained grassroots advocacy.

Dr. Ogwus also shared that he personally sponsored four young football talents from Upata, who have been accepted into De Cardinal Football Academy, affiliated with Rivers United FC—an opportunity that could redefine their futures.

To address energy gaps and improve living conditions in underserved areas, over 270 solar-powered streetlights have been installed across Ekpeye communities. This initiative has significantly enhanced security, revitalized night-time activities, and boosted local economic activity by allowing residents to move freely and businesses to operate safely after dark.

Additionally, he announced the launch of ongoing support programs for widows and vulnerable families, with impact assessments and progress reports made publicly accessible on the OYECDO website to ensure transparency and accountability.

Dr. Ogwus emphasized the importance of early intervention through peace and anti-cultism campaigns, which have been actively conducted in schools and public spaces to raise awareness and promote youth securi

Reaffirming OYECDO's dedication, Dr. Ogwus expressed a strong commitment to partnering with government bodies and civil society organizations to expand youth empowerment programs across Nigeria, as part of the organization's corporate social responsibility. He emphasized that service to humanity is a call to action and pledged to faithfully deliver OYECDO’s mandates across the nation.

Chinedu maintained that, “The time to act is now. We must reject crime and corruption and work together to build a nation anchored on education, integrity, and opportunity—one where the upcoming generation can thrive and excellence becomes the norm rather than the exception. We cannot afford to lose the integrity of this nation to criminality.”

Dr. Ogwus was recognized for his exceptional contributions to leadership and national development. He received the National Outstanding Leadership Award and was further honored as an Icon of Security Ambassador. These prestigious accolades underscore his unwavering commitment to promoting peace, security, and excellence in leadership across the nation.

The awards reflect Dr. Ogwus’s dedication to impactful service and his standing as a beacon of integrity and progress in both the public and private sectors.

The summit wrapped up with a powerful consensus among participants: Nigerian youth must rise above destructive influences, support progressive government policies, and take active roles in shaping a safer, more prosperous society.