The Yoruba Council of Youths Worldwide (YCYW) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently adopt and sign into law the Joint Regional Security Network Bill, a landmark legislative proposal aimed at integrating regional and community-based security outfits into Nigeria’s formal security framework.
This appeal was made following the successful National Executive Council (NEC) meeting and Stakeholders’ Convergence of YCYW, held on Thursday, June 26th, 2025, at Favour’s Hall, Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, Akanran, Ibadan, Oyo State.
In a communique issued and signed by the Council’s National Coordinator, Asojú Ọdọ Alawode Rahmon Akintunde, the group expressed grave concerns over the worsening state of security across Nigeria, particularly the persistent threats facing communities in South-West Nigeria and other parts of the country.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE COMMUNIQUE
1. Security Reform and Regional Integration
The Council emphasized the urgent need for a total restructuring of Nigeria’s security architecture. It urged the Federal Government to support the Joint Regional Security Network Bill to formalize and empower local security frameworks such as Amotekun and similar regional initiatives to protect lives and property, especially in underserved rural areas.
2. Youth Empowerment and Poverty Alleviation
The meeting urged Federal and State Governments to act swiftly in addressing the root causes of youth restiveness by investing in job creation, skill acquisition, and agricultural empowerment. Participants agreed that economic hardship remains a major driver of insecurity and societal breakdown.
3. National Rebirth and Youth Mobilization
The NEC resolved to mobilize Yoruba youths as ambassadors of national rebirth, visionary leadership, and cultural preservation. It encouraged young people to embrace civic responsibility and become active participants in shaping the political and economic future of the Yoruba nation and Nigeria as a whole.
4. Establishment of a Think-Tank for Policy Innovation
The Council appointed Omoluabi Hon. Sunday Adebowale, YCYW Deputy National Coordinator, as Chairman of the newly formed Yoruba Youths Think-Tank. The platform will serve as an intellectual hub for ideas, research, and actionable strategies that address development challenges and promote sustainable leadership.
5. Unity Among Yoruba Royal Fathers
Expressing concern over reported tensions between revered monarchs, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, and His Imperial Majesty Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade I, the Alaafin of Oyo, the Council made a humble appeal for reconciliation and harmony. It urged both royal fathers to find a common ground in the interest of Yoruba unity, peace, and progress.
6. Reawakening Regional Consciousness
The Council resolved to champion Yoruba cultural renaissance, by promoting regional cooperation, unity, indigenous identity, and economic self-determination across Yoruba-speaking territories.
7. Strategic Action Plan and Outreach
The Council announced plans to convene another quarterly Stakeholders’ Meeting in Ogun State, and to inaugurate committees focused on agriculture, education, entrepreneurship, and youth mobilization. These committees will also reach out to Yoruba descendants in the diaspora and work closely with royal institutions, community associations, and international partners.
CONCLUSION
The Yoruba Council of Youths Worldwide (YCYW) remains committed to peace, unity, development, and responsible leadership across Yoruba land and Nigeria.
The Council calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the South-West Governors, and all elected Yoruba representatives to prioritize youth development, regional security, cultural identity, and inclusive governance as foundational pillars of national transformation.
