The Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oladiji Olamide Adesanmi, has emphasized that empowering Nigerian youths remains a critical solution to curbing insecurity across the country.
He made this known on Monday in Ondo City during the official launch of the Funke Fadeni Foundation, held as part of activities marking the 10th remembrance anniversary of Late Chief Adefunke Fadeni, mother of real estate investor, Engr. (Dr.) Koleola Emmanuel Fadeni.
Adesanmi noted that insecurity in Nigeria is a complex challenge that cannot be addressed by government alone, stressing the need for active collaboration among citizens and security agencies.
“Security is not solely a government responsibility. It requires collective effort. Security agencies rely on credible information from the public, and as such, communities must support them. The state government is making efforts, including the recent recruitment of about 500 operatives into the Amotekun Corps to strengthen security operations,” he said.
The Speaker commended the foundation for its long-standing commitment to youth empowerment, expressing confidence that its formal unveiling would further contribute to reducing crime rates in Ondo State.
“With initiatives like this, many youths will be gainfully engaged. When people are productively employed, they are less likely to engage in criminal activities. I have seen firsthand the number of beneficiaries impacted by this initiative, and I commend Engr. Fadeni for sustaining this vision,” he added.
He also called on well-meaning Nigerians, particularly indigenes of Ondo State, to emulate such efforts in supporting youth development as a pathway to enhancing security.
In his remarks, the Group Managing Director of KSI Group, Engr. (Dr.) Koleola Emmanuel Fadeni, disclosed that the foundation had been carrying out humanitarian interventions for over a decade before formalizing its operations.
According to him, the driving force behind the initiative is a deep commitment to improving lives and giving hope to the less privileged.
“For over 10 years, we have been supporting people, empowering youths, and giving hope both in Abuja and Ondo. The formal launch of this foundation is a step towards expanding our impact. Government cannot do it alone; individuals must also contribute to societal development,” he said.
Fadeni encouraged affluent Nigerians to invest in community development projects, noting that even small contributions can make a significant difference.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Ondo East Local Government, Ogunduyilemi Kola Joshua, praised the initiative, describing it as a complementary effort to government’s drive to address insecurity through human capital development.
Similarly, the Operations Manager of the Funke Fadeni Foundation, Mr. Desmond Okunware, assured that the organization would distinguish itself through well-structured programmes targeted at empowering women and youths.
The event featured the cutting of the 10th remembrance anniversary cake by family members and dignitaries, alongside goodwill donations in support of the foundation’s activities.
