Michael Olugbode in Abuja 

Nigerians have been urged to take collective responsibility for sustaining peace, unity and security of the country in order to ward off threat of terrorism, banditry and those calling for the fragmentation of the country.

The advice was given by the Director General of the City Boy Movement (CBM), Hon. Tosin Shoga, during a briefing on the forthcoming 2025 Renewed Hope Unity Summit & Festival.

Shoga, while delivering a message during a world press conference in Abuja, where he reaffirmed the movement’s role as a key partner in the national initiative, said the summit comes at a critical period in Nigeria’s history.

Addressing journalists, civil society groups, youth leaders, religious institutions and representatives of partner organizations—including the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, the Jennifer Serrano Unity & Peace Foundation and The Unity Project Nigeria, Shoga said the country continues to grapple with social, economic and security pressures that challenge its cohesion.

He added that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu serves as a reminder that the nation’s strength is rooted in the determination and shared values of its people.

Shoga commended the Federal Government and security agencies for ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and foster national stability, emphasizing that achieving long-term peace and unity requires active participation from citizens across all sectors.

He said: “Peace is not the job of government alone, and unity cannot rest solely on leaders. Security is a collective responsibility. Every Nigerian must play a part.”

He urged religious leaders to preach tolerance, traditional rulers to strengthen community dialogue, and young people to position themselves as drivers of innovation and nation-building. 

He also called on the business community to adopt ethical practices that contribute to social stability, and on civil society and the media to uphold truth and responsible reporting.

Shoga reiterated that the City Boy Movement’s involvement in the Unity Summit and Festival aligns with its core mandate of promoting youth inclusion and national orientation.

He highlighted the movement’s ongoing work in mobilizing young people nationwide, encouraging peaceful engagement, and supporting initiatives that reinforce security and unity. 

CBM, he said, will continue working closely with partner organizations to promote responsible citizenship and strengthen peacebuilding structures at the grassroots level.

The DG appealed to Nigerians to view the upcoming summit as more than a ceremonial gathering, but as a catalyst for renewed commitment to nation-building. 

He cautioned against hate speech, political incitement and acts that undermine social harmony.

On her part, the convener of the summit, Mrs. Jennifer Serrano, said all is set for a successful staging of the summit and festival which she promised will bring youth from all over the country to address the issue of insecurity and what their place is.

She said the youth will be given opportunities to be in the same room with security and military chiefs to address the issues of insecurity and proffer solutions to them.

She said also expected are traditional and religious leaders.

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