- KICC Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo has called on the Nigerian government to train members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on security measures to help combat growing insecurity in the country.
- Citing the example of Israel, the cleric argued that tapping Nigeria’s large youth population would improve national security.
- He warned against misuse of the state police, stressing that a collective, structured approach involving trained youths was key to combating the temptation of lucrative criminal activities such as crime and kidnapping.
Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo of Kingsway International Christian Center (KICC) has called on the Federal Government to train members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to help address the escalating insecurity challenges in Nigeria.
When it comes to national security, Ashmolowo believes that the country’s youth population, which accounts for 60% of Nigerians, is an untapped resource in the fight against crime.
The cleric highlighted the example of Israel, whose citizens serve in the military from the age of 18, and said that providing NYSC members with a similar training structure could significantly enhance public security and national pride:
“The country should look for ways to harness Nigerians. If we train our young people early like Israel does, we will improve our security and make our people proud to be Nigerians,Ashmolovo said.
He also warned against over-reliance on state police, stressing that these forces could easily be misused for personal or political agendas. Instead, he recommended cultivating security awareness among citizens and creating structured ways to engage Nigerian youths in national security efforts.
Ashmolovo pointed out that the threat of kidnapping is becoming more and more serious. He said that the threat of kidnapping is fueled by generous ransoms and induces many young people to turn to crime. He urged collective measures to make the country safer:
“Let us raise the level of security and tap into the wisdom of our nation. Nigeria is a strong and proud nation and we must ensure that our young people are part of building that strength.” he added.
