Ezeagu Youth Assembly (EYA) one of the famous youth organizations in Ezeagu LGA of Enugu state on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 held a Security Summit at Sacred Heart Parish, Iwollo Oghe in Ezeagu LGA. The summit had in attendance; security operatives, people from the academia like Prof. Chike Anikwe, youths from across the 20 political wards in the council, some government officials like: Member Representing Ezeagu constituency at Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chima Obieze, Representative of the Council Chairman, Hon. Fred Ezenwa, the Commissioner designate from Ezeagu, Dr. Ugwunta David Okelue, and other relevant stakeholders.
At the end of the Summit with the theme: “Enhancing Economic Growth ThroughThe Provision of Adequate Security”, the summit after thorough examination of the security situation in the area resolved/advised as follows:
ON SECURITY
The summit appreciated the efforts of Governor of Enugu state, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in taking proactive measures targeted at eradicating the ugly trend of insecurity that enveloped some part of the state in recent times. The youths, particularly noted his efforts in the selection and training of Forest Guards as well as providing vehicles and other security gadgets for them. The summit also applauded the resuscitation and strengthening of the Local Vigilante/Neighbourhood Watch groups in all the 17 local governments of the state as well as the governor’s recent generous donation of 65 vehicles to the Enugu State Police Command and other security agencies to aid their effective security operations in order to restore peace and development in the state.
The Summit noted that the governor’s concerted efforts towards enhancing effective security and community policing was a demonstration of his commitment and determination to secure the people of the state and sustain the state’s glory of being one of the most peaceful in the country. The residents of Ezeagu and other residents of the state can now sleep peacefully, knowing that the security situation in the state has greatly improved within this short period.
The Summit, while commending the achievements of the governor towards improving security, called on the local government council chairman to as a matter of urgency, establish an emergency toll free number where people can call in case of emergency.
The Summit also called for a workable interface with all the traditional rulers in the Local Government Area in order to work out how best they can aid to sustain peace in the council.
2.0 TACKLING THE ISSUE OF HERDSMEN
2.1 THE ROLE OF THE TRADITIONAL RULERS
The Summit understands the urgent need to resolve and permanently lay to rest, the reoccurring menace of Fulani herdsmen in our communities and therefor, call on the traditional rulers to come clean in their dealings with some Fulani herdsmen terrorizing farmers in the council vis-a-vis if they have sold any part of the land to them without the knowledge of the community members.
The Summit stressed this is very necessary to strengthen the effort of the governor towards restoring peace and security in the state.
2.2. THE ROLE OF THE GOVERNMENT
The Summit wants government at all level to encourage forest camping as this will enable the people know what is going on their forest and to send alerts when there are aliens or invaders masquerading at the forest.
The Summit strongly believes that converting our forests to proper game reserves which will serve as a tourist centre would not only enhance the security situation but also become a source of income for the state.
2.3 THE ROLE OF THE MASSES
The Summit understands that security is the responsibility of every member of the society and wants members of the public to be at alert and report any strange activity in their area.
3. 0CULTISM AND OTHER VICES
The Summit decried the level of cultism which has even gone down to secondary schools, motor parks and artisans in the area and wants the government, security operatives, the Church and NGOs to join hands to curb the menace.
3.1 THE ROLE OF THE POLICE
The Summit appreciated the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force targeted towards curbing the menace of cultism and other related crimes through its initiative of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices, (POCACOV) and called on the National Coordinator of the initiative, SP Ebere Amaraizu who also doubles as the spokesman of the Force in Enugu State, to deploy the campaign fully in Ezeagu local government to save the youths of the area.
3.2 THE ROLE OF THE POLICE
The Summit wants the Government at all levels to develop sports in our secondary schools in in the state and Ezeagu local Government to engage the youths as sports has proven to be a veritable tools in disabusing the minds of the youths from crime and they can make a carrier out of it if well implemented.
3.3 THE ROLE OF THE YOUTHS
The Summit through her members will embark on massive sensitization and awareness campaign against cultism in all the schools in the area, market places and any other informal gathering in the area.
The Summit will also want other youth Organisations, religious bodies and village oraganisations to get involved in the campaign against cultism and abuse of drugs and hard substances that have ruined so many of our youths.
4.0 ON YOUTH EMPOWERMENT
The summit while appreciating the continuous effort of Rt. Hon Chima Obieze in engaging the youths meaningfully also called on the government at all levels to rise to the occasion and ensure the youths are provided with the enabling skills and support to make them independent.
The Summit understands that providing the teeming youths with skills and other necessary support to keep them working and engaged in something meaningful will go a long way towards eradicating cultism, and other crimes in the state.
The Summit wants the government to use the polytechnic in their area as a means of reaching out to the youths in the area as that could be a good breeding ground for skilled manpower and also bring about agricultural revolution in Ezeagu since they are an agrarian society.
AGU IFEANYI – CHAIRMAN, NZEKWE TOCHUKWU-SECRETAY and OZOENE EJIKE, CHIDOBE MICHAEL, ENEH CALISTA CHIOMA members of Communique drafting committee.
