The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, Ajao Adewale, has said that the future of West Africa’s security lies in empowering its youth population through education, economic opportunities, and inclusive governance. Speaking while addressing participants at a regional youth summit organized by the West Africa Youth Parliament (WAYP) in Abuja, Adewale stressed the urgent need to integrate digital literacy, critical thinking, and economic empowerment programs into educational curricula across the region.

He further advocated for greater youth inclusion in policymaking, governance, and local security initiatives as a pathway to reducing youth vulnerability to crimes.While warning that unemployment and poverty remain key drivers of insecurity in the region, the commissioner stressed the need to create sustainable economic opportunities for youth to reduce their vulnerability to illicit activities.Board Member, North Central Development Commission, Solomon Adodo, in his remarks, appealed to West African governments to redirect significant portions of their security budgets toward youth empowerment and development.

Also speaking, the Regional Speaker of the West Africa Youth Parliament (WAYP), Olasunkanmi Kolawole called on young people across the sub-region to take a proactive role in securing the future of West Africa by championing peace, security, and development. The summit brought together youth leaders, policymakers, and civil society representatives to discuss the role of young people in fostering peace, economic growth, and regional cooperation in West Africa.