LASG calls for stronger youth-police partnership to enhance community safety
Lagos State Government Urges Enhanced Youth-Police Collaboration for Community Safety
LAGOS — The Lagos State Government has emphasized the importance of stronger partnerships between young people and police to foster safer communities. This appeal was made during the Political Intelligence Summit on Youth-Police Engagement, held at the Nigeria Police Zone 2 Headquarters in Onikan.
The summit, organized by the Lagos State Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement (OPL&CE) and the Lagos State Bureau of the Public Defender (BPD), attracted youth groups, security agencies, legal practitioners, civil society organizations, and government officials. The theme of the event was “Bridging the Gap: Youth-Police Engagement for Community Safety and Social Reform.”
Dr. Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen, Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, emphasized the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and civic participation. He articulated that security should not be viewed solely as the responsibility of law enforcement but as a collective responsibility shared by government institutions, communities, and especially youth.
“The summit aims to facilitate constructive dialogue and strengthen relationships between young people and law enforcement agencies,” he said. “Youth are among society’s greatest assets, contributing energy and creativity to building resilient communities.”
During the event, Assistant Inspector-General of Police Olorundare Moshood Jimoh highlighted the necessity of fostering lasting relationships between police and youth. He noted that effective policing hinges on mutual trust and partnership.
“The youth are not just leaders of tomorrow; leadership starts today,” Jimoh stated, reinforcing their role in promoting peace and combating crime. He also affirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to upholding internationally recognized standards of policing, which includes respect for human rights and community partnerships.
Jimoh urged youth to support policing efforts by sharing credible information and engaging positively with law enforcement. He also noted improvements in relations between the police and young people, attributing this progress to ongoing engagement programs, such as annual police-youth dialogue platforms established by the Lagos State Government.