Youths in Kwara State have commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the creation of the Nigerian Army 9 Division in the state to tackle insecurity in southern and northern senatorial parts.

Armed with placards with inscriptions like: “One people, One vision, One joy; Peace has returned to Kwara;⁠ 9 Division, a dream realised; with the 9 division, our people are safe,” described the new installation as a major step towards strengthening security in Kwara and neighbouring states.

The groups under the aegis of: Coalition of Kwara Youth Organisations and Arewa Youths Assembly, on Monday declared their position at a joint rally in Ilorin.

The President of the Coalition of Kwara Youth Organisations, Ibrahim Funsho Saadu, said the development deserved the appreciation of Kwaran.

“When President Bola Tinubu approved the 9 Division of the Nigerian Army with its headquarters in Ilorin, he did something no other President has done. He saw our vulnerability and he responded with action,” Saadu said.

He, also, commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, and the Chief of Defence Staff for their leadership and commitment to improving security in the country.

Saadu congratulated the new General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the new army Division, urging him to maintain professionalism and justify the confidence placed in him by the President and the military leadership.

He advised that the division should not be seen only as a military installation, but also as an opportunity for economic development, job creation and improved security capable of attracting investors to Kwara.

“We must support our security agencies,” he said, adding that the youth would cooperate with the military and other security agencies in their efforts to protect lives and property.

Also, the Publicity Secretary of the Arewa Youth Assembly, Aliyu Muhammad, described the creation of the division as an historic development.

He commended Tinubu for approving the expansion of the nation’s Army from eight to 12, the recruitment of additional personnel and measures to improve the welfare of soldiers.

According to him, the establishment of the 9 Division would enhance command and control, strengthen border security, protect critical national infrastructure and ensure faster military response to emerging threats.

He said the presence of the division closer to the people would give farmers greater confidence to return to their farms, while children would be able to attend schools without fear.

Muhammad urged Nigerians to support security agencies with cooperation, useful information, prayers and goodwill, stressing that security was a collective responsibility.

The youths expressed readiness to cooperate with the Nigerian Army and other sister security agencies, positing that the sacrifices of security personnel should not be taken for granted.