By Isiaka Mustapha, Editor-in-Chief, People’s Security Monitor

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, has commended the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) for its contributions to grassroots security and community safety, pledging closer collaboration between the Ministry and the organisation to advance youth development and national security.

The Minister made the commitment when the Commander General and National Chairman of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Otunba James Udoma, led senior officers of the organisation on a courtesy visit to the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

Olawande praised VGN personnel for their sacrifices in safeguarding communities across the country, describing their efforts as a demonstration of patriotism and service to humanity. He noted that the organisation plays a critical role in supporting security at the grassroots level, where many security threats first emerge.

According to the Minister, youth development is closely linked to peace, security and community progress. He stressed that providing opportunities for young people through empowerment and skills development programmes remains essential to preventing crime, violence and social instability. He assured the VGN delegation that the Ministry would explore areas of cooperation in youth empowerment, skills acquisition, volunteerism, civic responsibility, peacebuilding and community development.

The Minister also acknowledged the importance of community based intelligence and early intervention in addressing security challenges, while emphasising that such efforts must complement the constitutional responsibilities of statutory security agencies.

In his response, Otunba Udoma thanked the Minister for recognising the contributions of VGN personnel nationwide. He said the visit was aimed at strengthening institutional relations and opening a new chapter of cooperation between the VGN and the Ministry of Youth Development.

Udoma described the VGN as a complementary grassroots security organisation that works alongside statutory security agencies to support national security efforts through community engagement and intelligence gathering. He stressed that the organisation has no intention of competing with the Nigeria Police Force, the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services or the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

The VGN Commander General further called for increased investment in Nigerian youths, describing them as the foundation of the country’s future security and prosperity. He said the organisation was ready to deploy its nationwide grassroots structures to support youth empowerment, skills development, civic responsibility and peaceful community development.

Udoma, who was recently appointed Commander General by the VGN Board of Trustees and National Executive Council, said his administration was committed to engaging key stakeholders in government to strengthen community security and improve opportunities for young Nigerians.

Both parties agreed to deepen cooperation in areas including youth empowerment, employment oriented initiatives, skills acquisition, volunteerism, civic education, peacebuilding, community development and security awareness, with a view to promoting national development and strengthening community resilience across the country.