Security experts, education stakeholders and youth leaders on Tuesday warned that rising insecurity in Nigeria is undermining education, regional cooperation and youth development across Africa, calling for urgent and coordinated measures to address the worsening situation.
The concerns were raised during the opening of Spark Nation 3.0, a youth leadership programme organised by One Youth Global at the permanent site of Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the event, the President of One Youth Global, Mr. Uchechukwu Agbo, said insecurity had become a major obstacle to educational exchanges and youth engagement across the continent, as many foreign participants who had registered for the programme were unable to attend because of safety concerns.
According to Agbo, parents in several African countries declined to allow their children travel to Nigeria over fears arising from the country's security situation.
He disclosed that although registrations were received from students in Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Cameroon, Benin Republic, Chad and Liberia, many eventually withdrew from the programme because of insecurity.
Agbo said the initiative, themed "Raising Change Makers Across Africa," featured leadership boot camps, debates and quiz competitions involving students from more than 10 African countries.
He explained that the programme was designed to impact 250 secondary schools, over 3,000 students and 660 teachers, while expanding access to formal education for about 560 African youths.
The One Youth Global president said the organisation remained committed to raising a new generation of leaders capable of securing Africa's economic freedom and addressing the continent's pressing challenges, particularly insecurity.
He stressed that while Africa had attained political independence through the sacrifices of previous generations, the current generation must champion the continent's economic liberation through innovation, entrepreneurship and purposeful leadership.
"We want to raise a generation of leaders who will ensure that no part of Africa is considered unsafe for anyone because of insecurity. Every African deserves the right to live without fear," Agbo said.
Representing Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, the Chief of Staff, Prof. Emmanuel Echiegu, reaffirmed the administration's commitment to education, youth empowerment and the protection of lives and property.
He urged young people to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), participate actively in the political process and prepare themselves for leadership positions.
According to him, the state government has continued to invest in infrastructure, entrepreneurship and youth inclusion in governance to equip the younger generation for greater responsibilities.
"Ebonyi cannot be handed over to the next generation by accident. It must be handed over by design, and you must be part of that design," he said.
Also speaking, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) of Ebonyi State University, Prof. Ike-Elechi Ogba, advised participants to avoid social media distractions and concentrate on developing innovative ideas capable of addressing Africa's development challenges.
He said quality education and leadership development remained critical to building a productive and prosperous society.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Michael Aja Nwachukwu, described insecurity as one of Nigeria's greatest challenges, lamenting its devastating impact on families, educational institutions and national development.
He called for more practical and effective security measures, expressing optimism that ongoing discussions on the establishment of state police would contribute to improving the country's security architecture.
The event attracted prominent personalities, including renowned novelist and literary scholar Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, Nnamdi Okezie, Chinedu Ugbah and other stakeholders from the education and development sectors.
