LDate: July 3, 2026
By Abraham Ovuoba
Ebonyi -The Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ebonyi State Chapter, Comrade Douglas Ochishi, mobilised youth organisations and security agencies for a peace and anti-terrorism road walk in Abakaliki.
The road walk, held on Friday, began at the Ecumenical Centre and ended at Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, where participants called for collective action to tackle insecurity across the country.
Addressing participants at the stadium, Comrade Ochishi said the initiative was part of the council’s civic responsibility as Nigeria’s apex youth body to sensitise citizens on the need to promote peace, security and national unity.
He noted that the resurgence of communal clashes, terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes had made it imperative for youths to partner with security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious activities.
“Security is everybody’s business. No business can thrive where there is insecurity. Peace and security remain the foundation for economic development and political stability,” he said.
According to him, the sensitisation rally united various youth organisations under the NYCN to speak with one voice against terrorism, social violence, drug abuse and other criminal activities capable of disrupting peace.
On efforts to end insecurity, Comrade Ochishi commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, for strengthening security and expressed optimism that increased public vigilance would help curb insecurity.
Responding to questions on state police, he described the proposed initiative as a positive step towards improving grassroots security and addressing local security challenges more effectively.
The NYCN chairman added that beyond advocacy, the council empowers youths by documenting unemployed graduates and linking them with employment opportunities through government agencies and other institutions.
He also appreciated the security agencies that escorted the procession, describing their presence as evidence of the growing partnership between youth bodies and security institutions in promoting peace.
In separate remarks, the Chairman of the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN), Evangelist Nwodom Stephen Ogonna, commended Ochishi for championing the initiative and pledged the support of Christian youths in sustaining peace and security in the state.
Also speaking, Mrs Kelly Agom, on behalf of the women, applauded the massive turnout and urged women and youths to remain united and vigilant against insecurity, molestation, child abuse and other social vices.
Similarly, the Coordinator of Ohamadike Global Youths Network, Ugochukwu Iteshi, praised the NYCN leadership for organising the campaign and urged young people to reject terrorism, drug abuse and political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The sensitization road walk ended with participants reaffirming their commitment to peaceful coexistence by collectively saying no to terrorism, banditry, drug abuse and all forms of violence threatening the peace, unity and development of Ebonyi State and Nigeria.
