In a strategic move aimed at finding lasting solutions to the persistent insecurity plaguing Southern Kaduna, the National Youth Wing Executive Council of the Southern Kaduna Peoples’ Union (SOKAPU) has commenced preparations for its maiden National Youth Security Summit.

The summit is expected to bring together security experts, government agencies, traditional rulers, youth leaders, and civil society organizations to chart a course for peacebuilding, strengthen community resilience, and foster sustainable security in the region.

To kickstart the process, the Youth Wing of SOKAPU has inaugurated an eleven-member steering committee charged with organizing the historic event. The inauguration ceremony took place on the evening of Monday, June 30, 2025, at the SOKAPU National Secretariat in Barnawa, Kaduna.

According to a press statement issued on Tuesday by the Union’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Isah Anjadick, the summit is being organized in collaboration with the Kaduna State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Kaduna State Peace Commission, the Nigeria Police Force, other security agencies, development partners, and relevant civil society organizations.

Speaking during the inauguration, the National Youth Coordinator, Comrade Solomon Simon MHNS, emphasized that members of the committee were carefully selected based on their leadership qualities, experience, and commitment to peace and development. He stated that the committee has been given the mandate to organize the “Southern Kaduna Youth Security Summit 2025” under the theme: “Youth as Partners in Security: Building Sustainable Peace and Community Resilience in Southern Kaduna.”

He noted that Southern Kaduna has long suffered from recurring security challenges, including banditry, kidnapping, and violent attacks. “Youth are often the worst affected and, unfortunately, the most mobilized. It is time to reposition them as agents of peace and intelligence gathering,” he said.

Comrade Solomon further stated that the summit aims to complement government and community efforts by educating, empowering, and mobilizing youths for peacebuilding and security awareness.

The statement also outlined the key objectives of the summit, which include:

Engaging youth leaders and stakeholders on community-driven security strategies

Building capacity in civil intelligence, community policing, and peace advocacy

Establishing a Youth Security Network across all Local Government Areas

Strengthening collaboration between youths, security agencies, and traditional leadership

The summit will target Youth Wing LGA Coordinators and their executives, community development association representatives, military and paramilitary officials, traditional rulers, NGOs, civil society groups, and state-based community security agencies.

According to the statement, the summit is scheduled to hold in September 2025 in Kafanchan. The committee is expected to complete its preparations within a three-month timeframe.

The eleven-member committee comprises seasoned professionals from various sectors, including administration, media, and youth activism. Members include:

Comr. Jeremiah Duniya – Chairman

Comr. Solomon Habila – Secretary

Comr. Godiya Adamu – Treasurer

Comr. Bisalla Emmanuel Anja – Member

Comr. Sunday Joel Abudodo – Member

Comr. Stephen Garba – Member

Comr. Victor Yusuf Maimutane – Member

Comr. Abigail Sam Amwe – Member

Comr. Matthew Taggah Sunday – Media Coordinator

Comr. Jeremiah Maidawa – Member

Aminu Ahmed – Member

In his acceptance speech, Committee Chairman Comrade Jeremiah Duniya thanked the national leadership of SOKAPU Youth Wing for the opportunity to serve, pledging the committee’s total commitment to delivering on its mandate.

“I consider this a sacred responsibility. We shall work tirelessly to ensure the summit achieves its goals and contributes meaningfully to peace and security in Southern Kaduna,” he said.

The National Youth Coordinator, Comrade Solomon Simon, in his closing remarks, described the task ahead as difficult but noble. “This is a patriotic response to a clarion call for selfless service. As you embark on this historic journey, be assured of my leadership’s full support and collaboration. I wish you all success,” he concluded.