‘Youth development key to tackling cybercrime, drug abuse’

Executive Director of Orlu Progressive Initiative (OPI), Comrade Ikechukwu Nwabueze, has described the war against drug abuse and cybercrime as a fight to secure the future, opportunities and responsible leadership for youths in the South-East.

Nwabueze spoke in his keynote address at the 2026 South-East Peace and Stability Summit, organised by OPI in Owerri, Imo State.

He identified drug abuse and cybercrime as growing threats to young people in the region, warning that an entire generation must not be stigmatised because of the actions of a minority.

According to him, drug abuse is destroying lives, families and communities, while cybercrime is damaging the reputation of youths, eroding public trust and exposing young people to criminal networks. “A young person who has purpose, opportunity and hope is less vulnerable to criminal recruit andment,” he said.

Nwabueze said unemployed youths without direction, mentorship or leadership training could become vulnerable to manipulation, urging leaders to invest more in employment, empowerment, vocational training, entrepreneurship, technology and digital skills.

He called for deliberate youth-employment policies that would shift the emphasis from youth mobilisation to youth development, stressing that young people should be prepared for leadership rather than being used mainly during elections.

On the 2027 elections, Nwabueze urged political parties, government institutions, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youths and women to commit themselves to peaceful, credible and violence-free elections.

Nwabueze advocated stronger cooperation among the five South-East states through economic integration, security cooperation, infrastructure connectivity and stronger regional institutions.

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Speaking on the theme: ‘Building sustainable peace for a prosperous future,’ he described the summit as a call for conscience, unity, responsible leadership and concrete action to secure lasting peace in the region.

The traditional ruler of Uwaorie Agwa in Oguta Local Government Area, Eze Abanus Ozuruoha, commended the organisers, stressing that peace was not merely the absence of war but must also address equity and social justice.

The monarch, who backed OPI’s proposal for a South-East Peace Commission, said insecurity still loomed over communities and urged the Federal Government to give the region attention, particularly in tackling insecurity.