NYSC members should receive security training to tackle insecurity – Ashimolowo
The Founder of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC), Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, has urged the Federal Government to incorporate basic security training into the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme as part of broader efforts to address Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
Speaking on Sunrise Daily on Thursday, Ashimolowo argued that empowering corps members with security awareness and response skills would significantly strengthen community vigilance across the country.
“Our NYSC youths need to be trained to recognise and respond to potential threats,” he said, noting that even small signs of wrongdoing should trigger swift action to deter crime.
Ashimolowo appealed to Nigerians to rally behind President Bola Tinubu’s renewed push to boost policing and security personnel nationwide.
“Let’s support the President now that he is calling for more policing and more soldiers,” he said, urging citizens to contribute actively to safeguarding their communities.
He emphasised that Nigeria’s youth population—estimated at nearly 60 percent—represents an untapped asset in the country’s security architecture.
Drawing a comparison with Israel, Ashimolowo noted that compulsory military service for young adults in that country has helped build a strong national security consciousness.
“In Israel, 18-year-olds serve in the army for years. We can adapt a similar approach through the NYSC,” he said, adding that such training would heighten alertness and improve national resilience against threats.
While acknowledging the potential benefits of state policing, Ashimolowo warned that the system could be abused in some states.
“State police may work, but it can easily become someone’s private army used to intimidate others,” he cautioned.
The cleric encouraged Nigerians to work together to build a more secure nation and to take personal responsibility for improving safety around them.
“Let’s raise our security level, let’s make Nigerians proud again. We have leadership trying to make things work, let’s support them,” he said.
He added that beyond reforms, every citizen should adopt a mindset of “security maintenance” in their daily lives.
