The Imo State Government, through the Ministry of Youth Development and Talent Hunt, has organized a one day security summit for youths of the state with the aim of discouraging them from indulging in anti-social activities.

The summit, which featured heads of various security agencies in the state, was also targeted at tackling youth related violence.

Addressing the participants, the Commissioner for Youth Development and Talent Hunt, Emeka Mandela Ukaegbu, said that the summit is also aimed at sensitizing the youths on the need for peaceful environment for sustainable development.

He pointed out that no investor will like to stake his money in an unsecured environment.

The commissioner asserted that the only way youths can be gainfully employed is when there is relative peace and friendly environment that will attract investors.

He advised the youths to shun violence and embrace the opportunity provided by the government in the area of skill acquisitions, as well as talent hunts, through which youths can expose their ingenuity in sporting activities.

Ukaegbu added that there are many programmes lined up by the state government for the youths, which he maintained will enhance youth development and discourage them from indulging in crimes.

In his speech, the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, represented by ACP Linus Nwaiwu, said the task of the security agencies will be less difficult if youths shun anti social behaviors and join in fighting crime.

He maintained that everybody is a stakeholder in the area of security.

Speaking also, the Commanding Officer, 34 Artillery Brigade Obinze, General I.M. Abbas, stressed on the importance of civic responsibility in nation-building.

He remarked that civil orderliness can only be obtained when the civilian populace, mostly the youths, begin seeing themselves as major stakeholders in fighting insecurity.

Abbas also pointed out that it is not possible for security agencies to be everywhere at the same time, saying crime can be prevented when everyone is engaged.

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the 10th Governing Council of Imo State University, Rev. Fr. P. A. Ogbonna, harped on the need for youths to be closer to God as the only way to think positively. Ogbonna expressed optimism that the summit will yield positive results.

One of the participants, Chekwube Adinioha, from Ohaji /Egbema LGA, said the summit is timely as it will help in addressing community crisis mostly orchestrated by cult related activities.

He however maintained that there is urgent need for the government and oil companies operating in the state to address some important issues like unemployment, forceful acquisition of lands and infrastructural deficit.

Adinioha noted that neglect by oil companies, who he accused of working with some community leaders to frustrate the people, is the major cause of crisis witnessed in Oil Producing Communities.

Participants at the event were youths from the 27 LGAs and students from various institutions of higher learning in the state.