By Douglas Princemola
In a bold and strategic move to promote peace and tackle rising security challenges, the Imo State Ministry of Youth Development and Talent Hunt, under the dynamic leadership of Commissioner Dr. Emeka Mandela Ukaegbu, organized a high-impact event—the Imo Youth Stakeholders Security Summit. Held on May 9, 2025, at Rockview Hotel in Owerri, the summit brought together young leaders from all 27 local government areas to unite for a common cause: building a safer and more harmonious Imo State.
The summit opened with a powerful symbolic event titled “Running for Peace,” a unity run staged in collaboration with the Executive Governor of Imo State, His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodimma. The peace run represented the determination of Imo youths to rise above divisions and work together to promote safety, dialogue, and shared progress.
Commissioner Dr. Ukaegbu led both the run and the summit’s key sessions. In his keynote address, he urged the youth to embrace their roles as changemakers and peace advocates. He stressed that sustainable development and lasting peace could only be achieved through inclusive youth participation and collective responsibility.
The summit featured insightful contributions from high-ranking security and government officials. ACP Linus Nwaiwu, representing the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, spoke on effective strategies for engaging youths in grassroots security and community policing. He emphasized building trust and collaboration between young people and security agencies.
Brigadier General I.M. Abbas, Commander of the 34 Artillery Brigade, called for renewed civic responsibility, encouraging the youth to uphold discipline, patriotism, and a sense of duty in shaping Nigeria’s future.
Other key speakers included Commander Basil C. Igwebueze of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr. Sola Aguda of the Department of State Services (DSS), and Hon. Modestus Osakwe, the Commissioner for Homeland Security. They each praised the summit’s vision and highlighted the critical role of youth in preventing insecurity and promoting social cohesion.
Rev. Fr. Prof. P.A. Ogbonna, Pro-Chancellor of Imo State University, also commended the initiative, describing it as a bold step toward building youth leadership and civic engagement. He encouraged young participants to continue their efforts in promoting peace and contributing meaningfully to society.
The summit concluded with a powerful message: the youths of Imo are not just future leaders—they are today’s peacebuilders. Their active involvement, passion, and unity stand as a beacon of hope for a more secure, united, and prosperous state.
