To curb restiveness and cultism caused by unemployment, the Peace Initiative Network (PIN) led by Dr Micheal Femi Sodipo has empowered 32 Remo community members of Ogun state with equipments in various trades such as sewing, welding, carpentry, and hairdressing.
The equipment which was distributed to the beneficiaries during the Peace Summit held at the Akarigbo Multipurpose Hall, Akarigbo Palace includes: 10 tailoring machines, eight welding machines, six barbering machines, two catering machines, two vulcanizing machines, two hairdressing machines, and two carpentry machines.
The summit brought together other stakeholders such as government officials, traditional leaders, law enforcement agencies, and community representatives under the theme “Partnering for Safer and Resilient Communities in Ogun State.”
The summit organized by PIN addressed pressing issues such as youth restiveness, cultism, kidnapping, and internet fraud, emphasizing the critical need for proactive measures to promote community resilience. Discussions at the retreat highlighted the pivotal role of empowerment through educational and vocational programs in steering youth away from negative influences.
In his remarks, Dr Sodipo, said “Empowering our communities is pivotal in revitalizing societal values and addressing restiveness. The organization’s commitment was underscored by the distribution of vocational tools aimed at enhancing economic opportunities and fostering community cohesion.
Similarly, in a communique signed by Dr Sodipo, the stakeholders concluded with a call to action for close collaboration in implementing effective strategies, urging other regions of the state to emulate the Ogun Peace Initiative Network’s proactive approach.
The stakeholders at the summit who invited experts to discuss strategies for creating safer and more resilient communities in Remoland and Ogun State in general also identified “security as shared responsibility beyond just law enforcement agencies. All stakeholders must be involved to ensure success. Dialogue on security is crucial as it forms the foundation for life and business, as well as addressing the root causes of crimes. Youth engagement and empowerment are essential, despite challenges in youth readiness to acquire valuable skills.
“Some emerging and Identified security threats in Remoland include youth restiveness, cultism, kidnapping, internet fraud, and ritual killings, the Remoland Traditional Council plays a pivotal role in addressing security threats in collaboration with relevant agencies, they stated.
They also called for accurate identification of those responsible for security breaches is necessary to avoid misrepresentation, particularly when ethnic profiling is involved.
According to the stakeholders’ communique, community policing is essential for building trust, promoting social cohesion, and addressing the root causes of crime.
The stakeholders also agreed on a need for community reorientation to develop a positive mindset and leverage local opportunities.
While stating that anti-social behaviors must be addressed through root cause analysis, education, and prevention strategies, the stakeholders urged Security agencies should beam searchlights on corrupt elements among them who are collaborating with criminals.
“The influence of politicians in promoting thuggery must be properly addressed and curbed. Improved parenting skills are essential to combat youth delinquency, as parental factors are identified to have contributed in no small measures,”they added.
The stakeholders also identified several key action points aimed at enhancing community safety and resilience in Ogun State. Central to these efforts is fostering a culture of shared responsibility among all community members for ensuring security. This includes establishing regular dialogue forums to promote trust and cooperation among stakeholders, vital for addressing prevalent issues such as youth restiveness, cultism, and other security challenges.
Additionally, the summit underscored the importance of empowering youth through comprehensive programs designed to equip them with skills and opportunities. Strengthening community policing efforts through enhanced training and adequate equipment was also highlighted as crucial in combating crime effectively. Moreover, initiatives to root out corruption within security agencies and monitor political influences promoting violence were emphasized to uphold accountability and transparency in governance.
Furthermore, the summit stressed the need to reinforce ethical values within society, promote good governance practices, and advocate for legislative measures that address behaviors contributing to crime.
“These actions aim to restore trust in societal systems and inspire a renewed spirit of excellence among Ogun State’s youth, laying the groundwork for safer and more resilient communities,” the stakeholders noted.
