LSSTF-CACCOV Coordinator, Oladimeji: Youth Must Shun Vices to Become Catalysts for Nigeria’s Prosperity • Osinbajo, Adebutu, Ogunsan speak at Ambassadors Summit 2026
By Oki O. Samson, Trek Africa Newspaper
The Ambassadors Summit 8.0 became a major platform for youth-focused security advocacy as the Lagos State Security Trust Fund’s Campaign Against Crime, Cultism and Other Vices (LSSTF-CACCOV) mobilised a large contingent of volunteers to the gathering, reinforcing the message that Nigeria’s economic prosperity cannot be separated from the choices, character and wellbeing of its young population. With more than 3,000 youths drawn from across Lagos and other parts of the country in attendance, the presence of LSSTF-CACCOV leaders and volunteers, who displayed advocacy placards throughout the programme, brought a practical security dimension to a summit largely centred on leadership, entrepreneurship and economic advancement. The campaign’s intervention underscored a critical reality: while Nigeria looks to its emerging generation to drive innovation and prosperity, that generation must first be protected from the growing pressures of drug abuse, cultism, criminality, cybercrimes, violence and other social vices capable of undermining its productive potential.
Speaking at the summit held at the Grand Ballroom of the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, the LSSTF-CACCOV State Coordinator, Dr. Moses Oladimeji, challenged young Nigerians to reject criminality and substance abuse, warning that a generation consumed by social vices could not effectively become the catalyst for national development. Oladimeji said the conversation about emerging leaders must go beyond identifying ambitious young people and creating opportunities for them, stressing that youth development must equally address the vulnerabilities confronting young people in their communities.
He noted that the thousands of youths gathered at the summit represented only a fraction of the young Nigerians outside the venue who were struggling with addiction, crime and other challenges. “Ultimately, we are talking about youths that are not consumed with crime,” Oladimeji said, noting that many young people who appear outwardly successful may privately be struggling with addictions and other issues holding them back.
The Coordinator, who openly shared his personal experience of overcoming addiction, told the young audience that involvement in drugs or criminality should not be regarded as the end of a person’s journey. “I was addicted. I was struggling with so many things, but thank God I came out of the addiction and that is why we are here for you,” he said, encouraging youths facing similar challenges to seek help and embrace opportunities for transformation.
Oladimeji also warned youths against the deceptive glamour often associated with illicit wealth on social media, where criminal proceeds can be disguised as symbols of success. He urged young people to look beyond flashy cars, expensive lifestyles and online displays of wealth, stressing that the consequences of criminal activity could ultimately lead to arrest, imprisonment or death. He further cautioned against cultism, describing promises of brotherhood, protection and prosperity often made by cult groups as dangerous traps that could destroy young lives.
The LSSTF-CACCOV State Coordinator explained that the campaign also focuses on equipping young people with skills and connecting them with appropriate support, including addiction experts, to help them overcome vulnerabilities and build productive futures. “You can rise above whatever it is, the vices that you are struggling with presently right now,” he told the youths, urging them to “shun the life of crime” and become part of the solution to Nigeria’s challenges.
According to him, LSSTF-CACCOV was established to confront these challenges through prevention, advocacy, empowerment and support for youths seeking to break away from destructive lifestyles. At the climax of his presentation, Oladimeji led the participants in a youth declaration, with thousands pledging to stand against crime, cultism, drug and substance abuse, corruption and violence while committing themselves to integrity, service, entrepreneurship and nation-building. “I am a leader. I am a catalyst for positive change,” the youths declared. “I will not be part of the problem. I will be part of the solution.”
The intervention aligned closely with the broader message of the summit, whose theme was “The Role of Emerging Leaders as Catalysts in Securing Nigeria’s Economic Prosperity.”
In his keynote address, LSSTF Executive Secretary/CEO and Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Joshua Oyeniyi International Foundation, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, argued that security was fundamental to economic prosperity. Ogunsan explained that security creates the confidence necessary for investment, entrepreneurship, employment and sustainable development, stressing that young Nigerians were already stakeholders in the country’s security equation.
He challenged youths to use technology and innovation to solve problems rather than merely consume digital products. He urged them to become responsible digital citizens by verifying information and refusing to spread misinformation, hate or inflammatory content.
Former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who addressed the over 3,000 participants virtually, similarly urged emerging leaders to embrace excellence, collaboration and uncompromising integrity. He stressed that leadership was not about waiting for political appointments but about using talents, resources and character to solve problems in one’s immediate environment.
The Father of the Day, Sir Dr. Kesington Adebutu, GCON, represented by his daughter, Dr. Abiola Adebutu-Olorode, also challenged the youths to develop vision, work hard, continually acquire knowledge and identify gaps that could be transformed into economic opportunities.
The Mother of the Day, Rev. Esther Ajayi, equally encouraged the participants to combine enterprise with purpose, branding and diligence, drawing from biblical principles to emphasise that every legitimate endeavour undertaken with commitment could yield reward.
On his part, the Convener of the Summit, Dr. Joshua Oyeniyi, described The Ambassadors Summit 8.0 as more than an annual gathering but “a strategic convergence of emerging leaders” who recognise that Nigeria’s future must be built, secured and shaped through intentional leadership. He affirmed that the Summit was deliberately structured to move participants beyond inspiration towards action.
For the over 3000 youths who gathered at the Ambassadors Summit 2026, the imperative message is clear. They must first choose to become catalysts for peace, responsibility and positive change before becoming catalysts for prosperity.
