- Lagos State hosted the Police and Youth Engagement Summit in Ikorodu to strengthen trust between youths and law enforcement agencies.
- Stakeholders emphasised dialogue, justice, accountability and technology as key tools for improving community security.
- Youth leaders reaffirmed their commitment to partnering with the police to promote peace and public safety across Lagos State.
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence and strengthening collaboration between young people and law enforcement agencies with the successful hosting of the Police and Youth Engagement Programme in Ikorodu.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the summit, organised by the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement (OPL&CE) in collaboration with the Lagos State Bureau of the Public Defender (BPD), brought together youth leaders, community stakeholders and security agencies at the Igbogbo Police Command to foster dialogue, mutual understanding and community-based policing.
Declaring the summit open on behalf of the Special Adviser, Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr. Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen, the Director of the Civic Engagement Department, Dr. Omotayo Babatunde, said the initiative reflects the commitment of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s administration to inclusive governance, active citizen participation and sustainable peace.
He noted that the Ikorodu engagement was the third in a series of programmes being held across the five IBILE divisions of Lagos State to strengthen trust and cooperation between the police and young people.
The Director of the Lagos State Bureau of the Public Defender, Mrs. Olubunmi Adesomoju, stressed the importance of justice, accountability and public awareness in building stronger relationships between the police and the youth.
She explained that the Bureau remains committed to protecting the rights of residents, particularly vulnerable groups, while ensuring that young people understand their rights and responsibilities under the law.
The summit featured technical sessions led by experts, including retired Permanent Secretary of the Bureau of Public Defender, Dr. Babajide Martins, who spoke on the “Right to Peaceful Demonstrations and the Duties of the Police,” and the Director of Public Prosecution, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Adebayo Harooun, who delivered a presentation on “Technology, the Police and the Youth.” Both speakers highlighted the importance of dialogue, innovation and respect for the rule of law in promoting public safety.
Representing the youth constituency, the Vice Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Lagos State Chapter, Mr. Asoro Olatunji, commended the Lagos State Government for sustaining the annual Police-Youth Dialogue initiative.
“Engagements like this will continue to close the gap in trust between the youth and the police. We do not see the police as our enemy; rather, we see them as partners in building a safer society,” he said.
Olatunji disclosed that a committee on youth-police policy engagement is awaiting the Governor’s approval for inauguration and assured law enforcement agencies of the continued support and partnership of young people across the state.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Engr. (Mrs.) Sholabomi Shasore, by the Deputy Director, Scientific, Mr. Sanya Adepoju, who appreciated all stakeholders for their commitment to fostering stronger youth-police relations and promoting inclusive governance.
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