*Says left alone, youth could be recruited by criminal gangs, extremist organizations By; BASHIR BELLO DOLLARS, Abuja In an address at t
*Says left alone, youth could be recruited by criminal gangs, extremist organizations
By; BASHIR BELLO DOLLARS, Abuja
In an address at the 18th Distinguished Public Lecture of the Federal University, Lokoja, former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai delivered a thought-provoking discourse on the urgent need to rethink Nigeria’s security strategy. The theme of his lecture, “Youth, Governance, and Countering Violent Extremism: Rethinking Nigeria’s Security Strategy,” resonated deeply with both students and faculty, emphasizing the pivotal role of youth in shaping the nation’s future.
The former military chief proposed a synergistic approach to combating insecurity, recommending a combination of both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies.
“It takes not guns and boots to counter such a threat but rather a change in paradigm in the way governance gets done in the area of security,” he stated, calling for a radical structural transformation that places youth at the forefront of decision-making processes.
Buratai’s lecture emphasized the necessity for Nigeria to learn from successful youth-centered approaches in countries like Tunisia, Kenya, Colombia, and Rwanda.
“If we do not reach out to our young people, we leave them to be recruited by criminal gangs or extremist organizations,” he warned.
He urged policymakers to empower the youth, asserting that they will become defenders of Nigeria and architects of its future.
In a commendation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s initiatives, Buratai praised the establishment of the National Education Data System, the Students’ Loans Scheme, and the approval of skill development programs across all levels of education.
He highlighted the importance of critical education and peace literacy in schools, as well as the role of youth-led digital platforms in countering hate speech and fostering positive narratives.
The Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi echoed Buratai’s sentiments, stating that the theme of the lecture could not have come at a more opportune moment. “Our country is in dire need of strategies that are innovative, inclusive, and sustainable,” he asserted, expressing confidence that Buratai’s insights would inspire meaningful conversations and inform policy.
As Nigeria grapples with the challenges of insecurity and youth disenfranchisement, Buratai’s call for a transformative approach to governance and youth engagement offers a beacon of hope for a more secure and prosperous future.
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