A national initiative aimed at addressing the root causes of insecurity and social vices in Nigeria has been unveiled, with stakeholders hailing it as a strategic intervention to reshape the country’s security landscape and youth orientation.
Speaking at a high-level stakeholders’ engagement on the Delta State Action Plan for the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls, held at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, Pastor (Amb.) Edewor Egedegbe presented the concept and achievements of Security Education Advocates (SEA). The event was organized by the Delta State Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Social Development.
Egedegbe, who is the Founding Executive Director of the Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative, described SEA as “a patriotic response” to Nigeria’s protracted security challenges, including gender-based violence, child sexual abuse, drug addiction, human trafficking, and other social vices. “A bad situation we do nothing about now will degenerate,” he said. “It is time to stop agonizing and start organizing.”
The SEA initiative, developed in collaboration with prominent Nigerians such as Amb. (Dr.) Mrs. Onyi Ikemefuna of the Sharmar Educational Foundation and CSP Omosetemi Agbede-Zuokumor of the Nigeria Police Force, adopts a preventive education-based model. According to Egedegbe, the programme targets the underlying causes of crime and insecurity rather than reactive measures. “When fully implemented across the 774 local government areas in Nigeria, SEA will promote peace, enhance public trust in law enforcement, and foster an environment conducive to economic growth,” he stated.
The pilot phase of the programme commenced on January 13, 2025, at Delta Careers College in Warri, Delta State, and has since expanded to 60 schools across Warri South and Uvwie local government areas. Its curriculum includes leadership development, security awareness, civic responsibilities, etiquette, community policing, and environmental consciousness. Egedegbe noted that the sessions have been highly engaging, particularly among students, religious, and community leaders.
“The passion and willingness of participants to embrace the teachings were remarkable,” he said. “They showed courage and eagerness to champion national causes and reject anti-social behaviours.” He added that students learned critical skills such as body autonomy, how to identify and report abuse, and the importance of avoiding drugs and crime.
Documented outcomes of the pilot phase include improved student awareness of personal safety, increased reporting of inappropriate conduct, and a growing commitment among youths to shun vices and promote positive values. Egedegbe described these achievements as "early signs of transformation with far-reaching implications for national development."
The SEA team has since initiated collaborations with key stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Education, the Nigeria Police Force, the Delta State Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Women Affairs. “Nigeria will be great when we all commit to narratives that engender positive change,” Egedegbe affirmed, urging continued partnership from government agencies, private organizations, and civil society in scaling the programme nationwide.
