Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd.), has called on Nigerian youths to reject hate speech, religious intolerance, ethnic prejudice and all forms of violence, urging them instead to embrace dialogue, reconciliation and peaceful engagement as critical tools for nation-building.

Musa made the appeal at the National Christian Youth Security Summit and Thanksgiving organised by the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) in Abuja. He stressed that young people constitute a significant proportion of Nigeria’s population and therefore play a vital role in shaping a peaceful, secure and prosperous future for the country.

Represented by his Special Adviser on Security and Intelligence, Musa Likita, the Defence Minister warned against drug abuse, violent extremism, cybercrime and other criminal activities, noting that the vulnerability of young people to manipulation remains a major threat to national security.

According to him, youths recruited into criminality, political violence, ethnic hatred and religious intolerance could inflict devastating consequences on the nation. He added that unemployment, poverty, radicalisation, misinformation, social exclusion and the exploitation of vulnerable youths by criminal groups continue to fuel insecurity across the country.

Musa reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and creating an environment where citizens can live, work and pursue their aspirations safely.

“The Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain resolute in the discharge of their constitutional responsibility to defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our nation and protect our people. However, sustained security cannot be achieved through military action alone. It is a shared national obligation that requires partnership between government institutions, communities, religious organisations, traditional institutions, civil society and, most importantly, our youth,” he said.

The minister emphasised that youth empowerment, education, skills development and meaningful participation in nation-building must remain central to Nigeria’s national security strategy. He urged Christian youths to uphold values such as peace, love, compassion, forgiveness, service and respect for human dignity, describing them as the foundation of responsible citizenship and national unity.

Describing the summit as timely and strategic, Musa noted that the country’s security and stability require the collective commitment and responsible participation of all Nigerians, particularly young people. He said the summit’s theme, “Empowered for Leadership, Service and Nation Building,” was appropriate at a time when Nigeria needs courageous, responsible and patriotic youths actively contributing to national development.

The Defence Minister further stressed that national security should not be viewed solely as the responsibility of the military, police and other security agencies.

“The armed forces can defend our territorial integrity. The police and other security agencies can enforce the law. Intelligence institutions can gather and analyse information. But no security architecture can succeed if citizens refuse to play their part,” he stated.

Musa described Nigerian youths as a strategic component of the nation’s security framework, noting that the country’s future would largely be determined by their values, choices and actions. He said youths possess enormous energy, creativity, entrepreneurial potential and technological abilities, adding that they should be regarded not only as leaders of tomorrow but also as partners in leadership today.

The minister also warned against the use of drugs and financial inducements to recruit young people into violence. Recounting incidents where youths were allegedly supplied with substances such as Indian hemp alongside financial incentives, he said such tactics were designed to impair their judgment and make them tools for violence.

He urged young Nigerians to resist such manipulation and avoid sacrificing their future for temporary financial gains. According to him, meaningful progress and innovation cannot thrive in an atmosphere of violence and destruction.

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Musa further noted that modern security extends beyond military strength to include economic, food, energy, cyber, environmental and human security. He therefore encouraged youths to reject ethnic and religious divisions and embrace national unity.

On technology and innovation, the minister urged young Nigerians to acquire skills in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, engineering, robotics and software development, describing them as essential for national growth and competitiveness.

Also speaking at the event, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, described the summit as significant, particularly as the country prepares for the 2027 elections. Represented by the Secretary of CAN’s North Central Zone, Rev. Simon Dolly, Okoh expressed hope that the programme would produce practical outcomes that would encourage peaceful participation in the electoral process.

He noted that President Bola Tinubu was making efforts to address the country’s security challenges and urged religious leaders and Christian youths to support initiatives aimed at restoring peace and stability.

National Chairman of YOWICAN, Ademola Daniel Arowolo, said the summit demonstrated the determination of Nigerian youths to promote peace, unity, justice, security and sustainable development. He noted that thousands of young people from different regions of the country attended the gathering, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening social cohesion and fostering peaceful coexistence.

Arowolo described the event as a historic moment for youth engagement, faith-based leadership and national security advocacy, highlighting the unveiling of the YOWICAN Five-Year Strategic Blueprint (2026–2031), the launch of the National Youth Development Centre and the signing of the National Christian-Muslim Youth Peace Accord.

According to him, the peace accord represents a collective commitment by Christian and Muslim youths to promote dialogue, tolerance, interfaith understanding and national progress while rejecting extremism, hate speech and violence. He added that the initiative would be replicated across states, local governments and wards nationwide.

The wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, also urged young Nigerians not to allow themselves to be used as political thugs or sacrificial tools during the 2027 elections. Represented by the Executive Chairman of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, she encouraged youths to participate actively in the democratic process while remaining peaceful before, during and after the polls.

Former National Youth President of CAN, Engr. Daniel David Katsai, challenged Christian youths to serve as ambassadors of peace and national stability. He argued that insecurity persists partly because many citizens fail to report suspicious activities and security breaches to relevant authorities.

Katsai urged young people to work closely with security agencies, stressing that security remains a collective responsibility.

“Security is everybody’s business. The youth must do things differently if we are to achieve better results and build a safer Nigeria,” he said.