By Aminu Adamu
The National Youth Leader of the African Democratic Congress, Balarabe Rufai, has called for stronger and more deliberate youth involvement in addressing Nigeria’s worsening security challenges, saying lasting solutions cannot be achieved without engaging young people as partners rather than spectators.
Mr Rufai made the call at the North West Youth Multi Stakeholder Security Summit held on Tuesday in Kano, where he was represented by Comrade Sani Saeed Altukry. The summit brought together youths, security agencies, civil society groups and public office holders to deliberate on rising threats including drug abuse, cultism, banditry, kidnapping and economic sabotage across the region.
Participants at the summit repeatedly stressed that the exclusion of young people from decision-making processes has deepened insecurity, while meaningful engagement has the potential to reverse the trend.
“When the youth are ignored, insecurity grows. When the youth are engaged, the nation is protected,” one of the speakers said, a position widely echoed during the discussions.
Mr Rufai, in a message delivered by his representative, said Nigeria’s youth could not afford to remain bystanders in a country where leadership failures have continued to endanger their future.
He noted that the security crisis confronting the country is closely linked to social neglect, unemployment and weak support systems for vulnerable young people, arguing that prevention must begin with human development and community-based interventions.
During the event, Mr Rufai was honoured with the Security ICON Award in recognition of his advocacy for youth inclusion, accountability and community-focused approaches to security.
Receiving the award on his behalf, Mr Altukry said the recognition was both an honour and a reminder of the responsibility borne by young leaders, particularly those in opposition politics.
“This recognition underscores our duty to hold those in power accountable while also offering practical solutions,” he said.
A personal testimony shared at the summit by a recovering drug abuse survivor further underscored the link between social welfare and national security, with speakers emphasising that early intervention could prevent wider crises.
“Saving one youth today prevents ten crises tomorrow,” a participant said, drawing applause from the audience.
Mr Rufai expressed appreciation to the Coalition of Nigeria Youths on Security and Safety Affairs and its partner institutions for creating what he described as a rare platform where youth voices are not only heard but taken seriously.
He reaffirmed his commitment, as ADC National Youth Leader, to challenge the status quo, demand accountability from those in authority and lead with courage in the pursuit of a safer country.
According to him, the award has strengthened his resolve to work towards a Nigeria where young people can live free from fear, violence and despair, and where security policies reflect the realities and aspirations of the youth population.
