The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening community safety by fostering stronger collaboration between the police and young people through a Police-Youth Engagement Summit held in Ikorodu.
The event, organised by the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement (OPL&CE) in collaboration with the Bureau of the Public Defender (BPD), brought together youth groups, community leaders and security agencies to promote dialogue, trust and cooperation.
Speaking at the summit, the Special Adviser, Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr. Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen, represented by the Director of Civic Engagement, Dr. Omotayo Babatunde, said the initiative aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision of inclusive governance, active citizen participation and community-based policing.
He noted that the Ikorodu edition is the third in a series of engagements across the state’s five IBILE divisions aimed at building lasting relationships between the police and young people.
Director of the Bureau of the Public Defender, Mrs. Olubunmi Adesomoju, emphasised the importance of justice, accountability and human rights awareness in strengthening youth-police relations, urging young people to understand both their rights and responsibilities under the law.
The summit also featured expert presentations on the right to peaceful protest, policing, technology and youth engagement, highlighting the role of innovation and dialogue in enhancing public safety.
Representing the youth, the Vice Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Lagos State Chapter, Mr. Asoro Olatunji, described the police as partners in community development and stressed that the actions of a few should not define the majority of law-abiding youths.
He also disclosed that a proposed Youth-Police Policy Engagement Committee is awaiting the Governor’s approval, expressing optimism that it will further strengthen cooperation between security agencies and young people.
The Lagos State Government reiterated its commitment to sustaining platforms that encourage constructive dialogue, mutual respect and collaborative efforts toward a safer and more inclusive society.
