Kano Security Summit: Gov. Abba Yusuf Decorated Icon of Security Ambassador, Youth Coalition Calls for Stronger Support for Agencies

Adejoh Bilkisu

The Kano State Government on Wednesday hosted the North-West Multi-Stakeholders Security Summit on Social Vices, bringing together security agencies, youth groups and policymakers to address rising insecurity, drug abuse and youth restiveness across the region.

A major highlight of the event was Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who received the Outstanding Leadership Award and was decorated as an Icon of Security Ambassador by the Coalition of Nigerian Youths on Security and Safety Affairs (CONYSSA). The honours recognised his administration’s sustained efforts in promoting peace, youth inclusion, and strengthening Kano State’s security architecture.

In his address, Governor Yusuf urged young people to reject violence, criminality, and drug abuse, noting that insecurity thrives where youths are excluded from meaningful opportunities.

He encouraged them to embrace skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, and innovation, highlighting empowerment programmes launched by both the state and federal governments to improve livelihoods and curb crime.
“Peace is not accidental. It is achieved when youths are empowered and productively engaged. Government will continue to create opportunities, but young people must also take responsibility for shaping their future,” the governor said.

Earlier, the Coalition of Nigerian Youths on Security and Safety Affairs called on the Federal Government to significantly strengthen support for security agencies across the country. The call was made by the coalition’s Director-General, Ambassador Ade Mario Emmanuel, during the summit attended by representatives of key national institutions and stakeholders from across the North-West.

Organised in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the summit brought together officials from security agencies, paramilitary organisations, and anti-graft bodies, including the Nigeria Police Force, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria Immigration Service, and the National Orientation Agency.

Ambassador Ade-Mario Emmanuel emphasised that improving salaries, allowances, and working conditions for security personnel would boost morale and operational effectiveness nationwide. He also underscored the central role of youths in addressing insecurity, noting that they are often the most affected by violence, displacement, and social instability.
“Our focus is clear: to unite and engage young people, redirect their energies towards productive ventures, and instil the understanding that social vices are not the way forward,” he said.

The coalition further urged governments at all levels to prioritise youth empowerment policies and actively incorporate youth-driven ideas into security strategies, describing such inclusion as vital to reducing mistrust and hostility.

Heads of security and enforcement agencies present at the summit pledged stronger collaboration with youth groups and community stakeholders.

The Kano State Commander of the NDLEA, Abubakar Idris Ahmad, expressed the agency’s readiness to partner with credible organisations in the fight against drug abuse.

Similarly, the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, represented by Muhammed Hassan, warned youths against the “get-rich-quick” syndrome, stressing the importance of collective action in tackling financial crimes and other social vices.

The Kano State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Bakori, represented by ACP Suleiman Aliyu, reaffirmed the police command’s commitment to community engagement and intelligence-led policing as tools for crime prevention.
A lecture on “Security Challenges in Northern Nigeria” was delivered by security consultant Dr. Yahuza Getso, represented by Mr. Ahmad Rufai, highlighting the need for sustained cooperation among government, security agencies, traditional institutions, and youths to achieve lasting peace across the country.