The Kwara-born chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and security expert, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, PhD, Dan Amanan of Fune Emirate has called on Nigerian youths to take an active role in fighting insecurity and building a peaceful, prosperous nation.
The call was contained in his 47th birthday message signed by his Director of Communications and Strategy, Mallam Abdulrahman Aliagan, and made available to journalists on Tuesday in Abuja.
Ajia, a politician, businessman and former police officer, said his birthday offered an opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s security challenges and the collective responsibility required to address them.
According to the statement, Nigeria’s security crisis cannot be left entirely to the military, police and other security agencies. While government has the primary responsibility to protect lives and property, citizens — especially young Nigerians — must become active partners in promoting peace and security.
“Nigerians must not continue to wait for somebody else to solve the country’s problems. They must rise and solve them themselves. Nobody is coming to solve our problems for us,” the statement said.
Drawing on his experience in the Nigeria Police and the security sector, Ajia said he remains ready to support national efforts through constructive engagement with young people and communities.
He described Nigeria’s youth population as one of the country’s greatest security assets and urged young Nigerians to reject violence and criminality while embracing responsible citizenship, intelligence-sharing, innovation, peacebuilding and community development, especially as the 2027 general elections approach.
He clarified that youth participation must be lawful and coordinated, and should not involve confronting criminals or taking the law into their own hands. Young people can report suspicious activities, support early-warning systems, help prevent conflicts and work with traditional institutions, religious leaders, civil society and security agencies.
Technology, he added, can support secure crime reporting, mapping of insecurity hotspots, emergency communication and the fight against misinformation.
Ajia who is currently in Saudi Arabia for lesser hajj to mark his special day urged youths to reject exploitation by political actors and criminal interests, warning against their recruitment for political violence.
He also called for responsible use of social media, urging young Nigerians to verify information before sharing reports about attacks, ethnic groups, religious communities or security incidents.
He challenged influencers, journalists, bloggers, content creators and social-media users to recognise that digital responsibility is part of national responsibility.
Ajia noted that youth empowerment is itself a security strategy. He advocated investment in vocational education, apprenticeships, entrepreneurship, agriculture, technology, creative industries and skills development.
He further urged young Nigerians to bridge ethnic, religious and regional divisions through sports, entrepreneurship, cultural exchanges, dialogue, volunteerism and joint development initiatives.
The statement stressed that the call for youth participation does not absolve government of its responsibilities.
Government must protect citizens, enforce the law, strengthen institutions and ensure justice. Security personnel must receive adequate equipment, training, welfare and support, while citizens must be able to trust the institutions to which they report threats.
“A secure Nigeria must be built on effective institutions, citizen cooperation, intelligence, justice and accountability — not merely more guns and personnel,” Ajia said.