Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, the senior pastor of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC), has urged the federal government of Nigeria to consider training National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members as part of a national strategy to combat insecurity across the country. He emphasized that the youth, who make up about 60 percent of Nigeria’s population, represent a largely untapped resource in enhancing the nation’s security architecture and addressing the growing wave of crime and violence.
Speaking on national security during a recent address, Ashimolowo highlighted the importance of proactive measures and the role of youth in safeguarding the nation. He referenced Israel as a model, where citizens begin military service from the age of 18, arguing that similar training for NYSC members could not only boost public safety but also instil discipline, civic responsibility, and a sense of national pride among Nigerian youths.
“The nation should look for ways to harness the potential of Nigerians. If we train our youth early, just like Israel does, we will enhance our national security, reduce crime rates, and make our citizens proud to be Nigerians,” Ashimolowo said. He noted that over-reliance on state police forces could be problematic, as such forces may sometimes be misused to serve political or personal interests rather than the public good. According to him, an organized youth security initiative could serve as a complementary force to existing security agencies, creating a safer environment for all citizens.
Ashimolowo also warned about the increasing lure of criminal activities among youths, particularly kidnappings and ransom-related crimes. He stressed that many young people are being drawn into crime because of the potential financial gain, and called for structured programs to redirect this energy into productive national service and security-oriented activities.
“We must raise the security level in our country by tapping into the intellect, energy, and creativity of our youth. Nigeria is a strong and proud nation, and it is essential that our young people are active participants in building that strength,” he said. The cleric argued that by equipping NYSC members with proper training in security awareness and civic responsibility, the nation could mitigate threats and develop a culture of collective responsibility for public safety.
In his message, Ashimolowo urged both government leadership and the citizenry to work collaboratively, emphasizing that a well-trained, security-conscious youth force could become a formidable tool in safeguarding national interests. He also recommended proactive strategies such as continuous community engagement, educational programs, and mentorship initiatives to discourage young Nigerians from turning to crime.
“Our citizens are bold, resilient, and admired across Africa for their courage and tenacity. We must unite and ensure that our young people are part of the solution, not the problem. Together, we can build a secure Nigeria that stands as a model of safety and prosperity on the continent,” he concluded.
Ashimolowo’s comments come at a time when Nigeria is facing rising security challenges, including kidnappings, armed banditry, and violent crimes in several regions. His proposal for incorporating NYSC members into a structured national security framework reflects growing calls from civil society and faith leaders for innovative solutions to Nigeria’s security crises.