Stakeholders Move Against Social Vices as CONYSSA Holds Youth Summit


   
By Genesis ogiri, Abuja 

The Coalition of Nigerian Youths on Security and Safety Affairs (CONYSSA) convened its annual Nigerian Youths Multi-Stakeholders Summit in grand style on Thursday, 8th May 2025, at the prestigious Army Resource Centre, Abuja. The summit brought together influential leaders and stakeholders from across the nation to confront the growing threat of social vices and to propose sustainable, youth-centered solutions aimed at fostering national development and security.

The event was graced by a diverse group of notable personalities, including security personnel, economists, financial experts, industrialists, entertainers, humanitarians, religious leaders, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders—individuals who have transcended boundaries and left indelible marks in their respective fields.

Among the dignitaries who graced the occasion were European Engineer (Eur Ing) Ambassador Dr. Chinedu Ogwus, President of the Ogwus Youth Empowerment and Community Development Organization (OYECDO), Hon. Barrister Odum-Ijom Ukam, Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Cross River State; the Special Adviser on Youth to the Governor of Cross River State, Hon. Ushie Batholomew , Ambassador Angonimi David Imeh, Founder of Hope Raiser Foundation; Dr. Adebamiji Oluniyi; Ambassador Tijani Abdulazeez Adeshina; Emmanuel Johnny, representing NACCSO; and Ambassador Oritsestolayemi Dorsu, CEO of Sengwa Consult.

Their distinguished presence added an extra layer of prestige and significance to the annual summit, reinforcing a shared commitment to youth development, empowerment, and national progress.

United in their mission, the stakeholders and participants voiced strong opposition to the wave of social vices plaguing Nigerian society—such as cultism, drug abuse, and internet fraud—which continue to threaten public peace and national cohesion. A key resolution of the summit was the collective readiness to take awareness campaigns and intervention programs to all 36 states of the federation.

The highlight of the event was the recognition of Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar, Chief of Staff to Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State, who was honored as the Best Chief of Staff in Nigeria. He also received the prestigious title of “Youth-Friendly Stakeholder,” in recognition of his exceptional commitment to youth empowerment and inclusive governance.

Also, Ambassador Dr. Chinedu Ogwus, a renowned philanthropist and youth advocate, was honored with the Outstanding Leadership Award. As President of the Ogwus Youth Empowerment and Community Development Organization (OYECDO), Dr. Ogwus used the occasion to call for urgent national unity against the rising tide of social vices affecting Nigerian communities. Known for his unwavering dedication to youth empowerment, social harmony, and grassroots development, Dr. Ogwus continues to champion inclusive leadership rooted in empathy, integrity, and service to humanity.

Ambassador  Oritsestolayemi Dorsu has also been officially unveiled as the Global Face of Conyssa, a recognition reserved for trailblazers who embody the values and vision of the organization on a global scale. Her appointment signifies a bold step in expanding Conyssa’s influence and outreach internationally.

This national recognition underscores Hon. Ironbar’s unwavering dedication to youth-centered initiatives, his efforts in creating opportunities for young people, and his role in advancing policies that promote social progress across Cross River State and beyond. His visionary leadership and steadfast support for progressive governance continue to set a standard for excellence in public service.

During the summit, Ambassador Ade Mario Emmanuel, Director General of CONYSSA, was formally decorated as a chaplain. In his address, he pledged to uphold the sanctity of the office and demonstrate unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and national development. He urged all stakeholders to rally together in tackling the root causes of crime and moral decline.


“The time to act is now,” Ambassador Mario declared. “We must invest in our young people through preventive strategies, education, and inclusive policies that will secure the future of our nation.”

He described the chaplaincy honor as a personal call to greater responsibility and stressed the urgent need for collaborative efforts among government agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sector to implement the summit’s resolutions.

The summit attracted wide participation from security agencies, civil society organizations (CSOs), corporate executives, youth leaders, and public officials. Collectively, they emphasized the necessity of unified, strategic action to address Nigeria’s deepening security and social challenges.

In a joint communiqué, attendees identified poverty, unemployment, and the breakdown of family structures as major contributors to lawlessness and societal instability. They advocated for sustainable, community-based interventions as key to reversing these trends.

Ambassador Mario further stated: “CONYSSA is calling on all critical stakeholders to recognize Nigerian youths as a ready and capable force in combating criminal activities nationwide. Given the manpower limitations of our security architecture, youth-led security voluntarism must be encouraged as a complementary strategy to reduce insecurity.”

The summit concluded with renewed commitment from all sectors to champion youth empowerment, promote civic engagement, and enhance security collaboration across Nigeria.

As the event unfolded, it became clear that the convergence of multisectoral stakeholders at the summit was more than just a milestone—it was a powerful testament to the unwavering dedication of the organizers and patriotic Nigerians committed to shaping a shared and secure future for the nation. The summit directly addressed the persistent issues of internet fraud and other social vices among youth, while promoting peaceful coexistence and national unity.

Special commendation was given to Ambassador Mario, whose visionary leadership and organizational prowess brought together technocrats, leaders, and visionaries in a spirit of joyous camaraderie—united by a common purpose: the advancement of peace, security, and social progress in Nigeria.


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