The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, Dr Tony Ojukwu, has called for stronger national collaboration to combat violent extremism, insecurity and human rights violations in Nigeria, urging stakeholders to address the root causes of conflict while empowering young people as agents of peace, development and social cohesion.
Represented by the Director, Legal Services and Enforcement, Rabi Anwar, at the National Stakeholders, Civil Society and Youth Summit Against Violent Extremism and Human Rights Violations in Nigeria in Abuja, Ojukwu said the country faces persistent security challenges that continue to undermine human dignity, economic progress and social stability.
The summit, convened by the National Council for Civil Society Organisations (NACCSO) and the Vision One Leadership Development Initiative, brought together civil society groups, traditional and religious leaders, development partners, youth and women organisations, and government stakeholders to explore sustainable solutions to insecurity and human rights abuses.
Ojukwu noted that violent extremism, banditry and related criminal activities have claimed thousands of lives, displaced millions of people and disrupted education, healthcare, livelihoods and economic development across Nigeria.
“Lasting peace can only be achieved by addressing the root causes of violent extremism such as poverty, unemployment, inequality, social exclusion, weak institutions and limited opportunities for young people,” he said.
He expressed concern over the growing impact of insecurity on vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, citing cases of abduction, sexual and gender-based violence, trafficking, forced marriages and attacks on educational institutions.
According to him, recent reports of school abductions in parts of Oyo and Borno states underscore the continuing threat to children’s right to education and safety.
“The youth of Nigeria must be empowered as ambassadors of peace, tolerance and development. We must invest in education, leadership development, civic participation and economic opportunities to build resilient communities that resist extremist ideologies and violence,” Ojukwu stated.
Earlier, Convener of NACCSO, Emmanuel Johnny, stressed the importance of patriotism, personal responsibility and behavioural change in tackling insecurity and promoting national development.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the establishment of state police, describing the initiative as a strategic step toward addressing security challenges at the grassroots level.
He also praised the military and other security agencies for their efforts in maintaining peace and stability across the country.
Johnny argued that insecurity, terrorism, cybercrime and other social vices are often driven by negative mindsets, unemployment and a lack of opportunities for young people.
Calling for greater investment in youth development, he urged government agencies responsible for skills acquisition and empowerment programmes to receive adequate funding to help create jobs and reduce vulnerability to crime and extremism.
“The more we prepare the youth for the future, the better it is for the nation,” Johnny said, adding that creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive would strengthen economic growth and national security.
Both speakers emphasised that defeating violent extremism and protecting human rights requires a collective effort involving government, civil society, communities and citizens.
They called for stronger partnerships, dialogue, accountability and inclusive development as essential foundations for building a peaceful, secure and prosperous Nigeria.
