By Lukman Amusa
Africa youth initiative on crime prevention, a non-governmental organization based with a special consultative status with the economic and social council of the united nation in Lagos is set to hold its 10th national youth summit.
The summit which is titled combating radicalism and violent extremism in local communities: perspective and practice
and practice
While addressing the press, the Executive Director and Founder, Comrade Chris C. Ibe said that the 10th edition of the Summit is very unique and strategic in the crime fighting programme of the present Nigerian government based on the multiple cases of criminal activities being experienced across the country today especially hate crimes, radicalism and violent extremism emanating from ethno-religious sentiments and conflicts which has become a great threat to National Security, Unity and Public Peace.
According to him, most communities and institutions across Nigeria today are living in abject fear due to high rate of insecurity which can be traced to criminal activities of some unscrupulous elements especially young people. It is our believe that no country can make meaningful development with crimes like kidnapping, cyber crime, armed robbery, human trafficking, illicit drug trafficking, pipeline vandalism, insurgency, cultism and hate crime.
He also said that the Summit is one of the organization’s crime fighting methods which affords young people the opportunity to understand the consequences of their crime related activities, with the aim of educating them on the advantages of preventive approach in the fight against crime. The theme for this year is “Combating Radicalism and Violent Extremism in Local Communities: Perspectives and Practices” and other sub themes will reflect on kidnapping, cyber crime, armed robbery, illegal migration and human trafficking, illicit drug trafficking, pipeline vandalism, insurgency/terrorism, campus cultism and environmental crime.
The Summit is designed to bring 1000 youth leaders across the country together for the purpose of building bridges, fostering understanding, educating and exposing them to the consequences and repercussions associated with criminal activities especially now that we are just concluding our elections. Youths will have the opportunity to interact and share ideas with crime prevention experts on the best way to prevent crimes especially hate crimes within their communities and it will also create a platform that will inspire and develop the capacity of young people in the fight against crime, as well as make them become change agents and crime prevention ambassadors in their various communities.
As part of the activities marking the summit, there will be a presentation of the organization’s prestigious award (Crime Prevention Personality award) to some deserving individuals, corporate organizations and government agencies who have contributed immensely to the fight against crime in Nigeria through preventive approach.
Expected dignitaries to grace the summit includes: The Honourable Ministers of Defence, Interior and Youth and Sports Development. Others are the National Security Adviser to the President, Inspector General of Police, Commandant General of the Security and Civil Defence Corps, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, UNODC Country Representative, Director, United Nations Information Centre, UNIC and Chairmen of Economic Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Participants for the Summit are expected to come from the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, Heads of Voluntary Youth Organizations, VYOs, National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, Heads of Political, Faith and Community based youth organizations. International participants who are interested in the summit are also welcome.
