The Grassroots Engagement for Good Governance has told the Federal Government (FG) to get Nigerian youths engaged in compulsory vocation training that will dissuade them from criminal activities.
The Convener of the group, Mr Adeolu Iwakun, made this known on Wednesday in Akure in an interview on a recent insecurity surge in the country.
Iwakun said that vocational training should be adopted as important part of education system in the country.
“We advocate for the adoption of vocational education as integral part of our education system.
“Also every Nigerian should be mandated to acquire vocational education as post secondary qualification before they proceed to tertiary institutions.
“This will not only provide the needed skills to our youth but also contribute to our economic development.
“A highly skilled workforce will enhance our gross domestic product ( GDP) evaluation and lead to a prosperous nation,” he said.
The convener said that stakeholders should see governance as collective responsibility, adding that the group was ready to support President Bola Tinubu and work collaboratively to transform the country.
According to him, if all stakeholders come together by working together, a more secure, prosperous, and socially just nation will be built.
He asked government at all levels to create jobs and carry out pragmatic empowerment programmes for idle youths as a matter of emergency.
“Employment must be gainful so that idlesness will reduce, hence curbing crime to the barest minimum,” he said.
The group’s convener also urged the president to invest substantial resources to tackling security by deploying high-end technologies that could effectively aid security agents’ efforts in reducing crimes, tracking, apprehending and prosecuting criminals.
He called on the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to rise up to its responsibility through public enlightenment and sensitization.
“The imperativeness of educating and sensitizing Nigerians cannot be overemphasized.
“Anti-kidnapping crusades that dispel the notion that kidnapping is lucrative should be stepped up so that young Nigerians would understand that kidnapping is not a legitimate means of livelihood.
4. Training and Empowerment of Security Officials:
Iwakun implored FG to expend massively on training and empowerment of security network in the country.
“We recommend continuous training and empowerment of security personnel to ensure they are fully equipped to protect lives and property.
“It is essential to provide them with the necessary human resources and encourage their dedication and commitment to their duties,” he said.
The convener, who commended Tinubu for his quick responses and proactiveness in addressing pressing issues facing the country, acknowledged the president’s readiness for the tasks ahead, particularly his fight against corruption, and his disposition towards the general welfare of Nigerians.
“We are of the firm conviction that when corruption is effectively tackled, every Nigerians will benefit from the dividends of democracy.
“Furthermore, we appreciate the president's efforts towards ameliorating the security challenges plaguing our nation, particularly the recent Abuja kidnapping and other scurity breaches across the country.
“The president's ability to summon a security meeting with the heads of different security agencies and putting them on high alert is a welcome development,” he stated.
