By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Train NYSC for Security Duties, Ashimolowo Urges FG
The founder of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC), Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, has urged the Federal Government to introduce security training into the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme as part of wider efforts to tackle insecurity in the country.
Speaking on Sunrise Daily on Thursday, Ashimolowo said empowering young people with basic security skills would strengthen national vigilance.
“Our NYSC guys, we should train all of them to the point where they see somebody smoking hemp, not even committing any crime, they swing into action; then security level will increase,” he said.
He called on Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu’s push for enhanced policing and a stronger military presence, insisting that national security must be a collective responsibility.
“Let’s stand behind our president now that he has called for more policing. Let’s stand behind our president now that he has called for more soldiers,” he added.
Ashimolowo also noted that Nigeria’s youth population—estimated at around 60 percent—should be harnessed as a national asset, suggesting that Israel’s model could serve as a reference point.
“Every time I go to Israel, I’m amazed Israel’s army are 18-year-olds. You serve in Israel’s army from 18 to 22. All our NYSC guys, we should train all of them,” he said.
The cleric warned that while state police could help, it might be abused by political actors.
“State police may work, but it will end up being the personal army of somebody who will begin to use it at some point to terrorize others,” he cautioned.
He urged Nigerians to unite behind efforts aimed at raising the country’s security consciousness.
“Let’s raise the security level, let’s make our people proud to be Nigerians… I believe we have leadership that wants to make things work. Let’s support him; let’s be behind him,” he said, adding that everyone must adopt a mindset of “security maintenance.”
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