The Chen Teen and Youth Development Initiative has kicked off the 8th edition of its annual Abuja Schools Debate programme, designed to engage young Nigerians in meaningful dialogue on national issues.
This year’s theme, “The Place of Safety and Security in National Development,” reflects the growing concern over insecurity and its impact on the nation’s progress.
The Executive Director of the initiative, Dr Olushola Oresanya, said the programme was geared toward helping young people discover their purpose, develop it, and deploy it.
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She emphasised that the Abuja Schools Debate is more than a competition, but a platform for youth engagement and civic education.
“Every year, we tackle topics that affect young people and the nation. This year, we’re focusing on the crucial issue of safety and security in our country.
” With rising cases of kidnapping and terrorism, it’s clear that more needs to be done, not just by the government, but by everyone,” she noted.
Oresanya stressed the importance of a collective approach to security, pointing out that with over 200 million citizens and less than one million security agents, it is unrealistic to rely solely on law enforcement.
“We are mobilising young people because they are the future. If they grow up with the right mindset about security, values, and responsibility, they can help create safer communities,” she said.
She also highlighted the deeper roots of insecurity, citing the erosion of family values and societal pressure to acquire wealth at all costs.
“Cybercrime and other vices are often blamed on unemployment or poverty, but at the core is a loss of moral values.
“We believe families must instill values that teach youth that money isn’t everything, and that integrity matters,” she added.
Also, Rabiu Mohammed, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) National Coordinator, National Safe School Response and Coordination Centre, emphasied the need for students to recognise their pivotal role in ensuring safety within their schools.
Represented by ACC Josiah Shuaibu, Mohammed said the centre, a critical arm of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), is tasked with ensuring the continuity of education by safeguarding students and educators.
He said that through ongoing sensitisation and awareness campaigns, the centre educates young learners on basic security measures and how to remain vigilant within their learning environments.
“The number of security personnel available will never be enough to cover everyone. Every student, teacher, and member of the host community has a responsibility in ensuring their environment is secure,” he said.
In response to concerns about school building collapses across the country, Mohammed acknowledged the issue but clarified that building construction oversight falls under the jurisdiction of other agencies.
However, he confirmed that the NSCDC is now collaborating with those agencies to ensure compliance from the outset.
“We may not be directly responsible for structural approvals, but we are now working hand-in-hand with the relevant engineering and construction bodies to ensure schools are built to standard.
“Our aim is to prevent avoidable disasters and protect our learners,”he said.
The debate competition includes 20 schools from both public and private sectors.
Among the schools that participated in the debate includes Government Science Secondary School (GSSS), Maitama, Lifegate Academy, and Government Secondary School, Wuse 3.
Others are Focus High School, Lugbe, Blooming Heritage Secondary School, Lela Blossom Schools, among others.
