SA Security, Bibire Urges Oyo Youths To Shun Crime, Support Peace On International Youth Day

The Special Adviser to the Oyo State Governor on Security Matters, Abayomi Fagbenro-Bibire, has congratulated young people in Oyo State and across the world on the occasion of the 2026 International Youth Day.

He urged them to recognize that their strength and skills are valuable assets that can make a world of difference in the fight against crime and the preservation of peace.

Bibire made the call in a statement signed by him and made available to the public on Wednesday, as the world comes together to celebrate International Youth Day, an annual occasion observed every August 12 to shine a spotlight on issues affecting young people and recognize the invaluable contributions they make towards building a better society.

He said the security of Oyo State cannot be left entirely in the hands of security agencies, and stressed that the youths, who make up a significant part of the state’s population, must rise to the occasion and lend their voices and hands to the collective effort of keeping their neighbourhoods safe and peaceful.

According to him, many security challenges usually begin as little sparks within neighbourhoods that can grow into bigger fires if left unchecked, and young people are in a good position to spot unusual movements, strange activities, recruitment attempts, cult activities, drug related activities and other warning signs before they snowball into major security threats.

“On this International Youth Day, I want to encourage our youths to use their strength and skills for good, stay away from crime, reject every attempt to recruit them into criminal activities, and give useful information to the appropriate security authorities whenever they notice something that may put lives or property at risk,” he said.

Bibire also urged youths to make proper use of the 615 emergency line, noting that a timely call will enable security agencies respond before a situation gets out of hand, while warning them against using social media to spread unverified security information.

He said, “You do not have to wait until something serious happens before you speak, and you do not have to put yourself in danger to help security agencies, because what you observe can be reported safely through the right channel and may save someone from becoming a victim.”

The Oyo Security Adviser confirmed that Governor Seyi Makinde has continued to place security among the major priorities of his administration because the government understands that young people need a safe environment to study, work, build businesses, develop their talents, and contribute meaningfully to the State.

He referenced the continued support given to security agencies by the State Government, the 615 emergency response system, the regulation of community based security groups, the acquisition of the Surveillance Aircraft, and other recent security interventions as part of the administration’s efforts to keep Oyo State safe and nip security challenges in the bud.

Bibire added that the recent steps taken by the Governor to fortify security and regulate activities that have implications for public safety show that the government is prepared to take firm decisions whenever the safety of residents, most especially the youths, is at stake.

He therefore called on parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organizations, community leaders, schools, and other stakeholders to continue guiding the youths and providing them with opportunities that can keep them engaged in productive activities.

“Government cannot do this alone, and security agencies cannot do it alone, so we must all play our important part, especially in giving our youths the right direction and making sure that they understand that their future is worth protecting,” he said.

He further urged some youths who may be facing pressure, frustration, unemployment, or other difficulties not to allow such circumstances to push them into crime, advising them to seek legitimate opportunities and support from trusted people rather than allowing criminals to take advantage of their situation.

Bibire wished all young people a meaningful International Youth Day and urged them to remember that the peace they help protect today will determine the kind of Oyo State they will inherit tomorrow.

“Let us build an Oyo State where young people are known for their ideas, hard work, courage and contributions to the polity, and where they can easily understand that keeping our State safe is also part of protecting their own future,” he ended.

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