The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering stronger relationships between security agencies and young people with the hosting of the Police-Youth Engagement Summit in Ikorodu.
Eko Hot News 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), was held at the Igbogbo Police Command as part of a statewide initiative to promote dialogue, trust and cooperation between the police and the youth.
The programme, which is being held across the five IBILE divisions of Lagos State, brought together youth organisations, community leaders, law enforcement agencies and government officials to discuss practical strategies for strengthening community policing, protecting citizens’ rights and promoting peaceful coexistence.
Declaring the summit open on behalf of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr. Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen, the Director of Civic Engagement, Dr. Omotayo Babatunde, said the initiative aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision of inclusive governance and citizen participation.
According to him, the Ikorodu edition was the third in the ongoing series and is aimed at building lasting trust between young people and the Nigeria Police Force through continuous engagement and mutual understanding.
Speaking during the event, the Director of the Lagos State Bureau of the Public Defender, Mrs. Olubunmi Adesomoju, emphasised the importance of justice, accountability and respect for the rule of law in strengthening police-youth relations.
She noted that the Bureau remains committed to protecting the rights of residents, particularly vulnerable groups, while educating young people on their legal rights and civic responsibilities.
The summit also featured technical sessions delivered by legal and public policy experts.
Former Permanent Secretary of the Bureau of the Public Defender, Dr. Babajide Martins, delivered a presentation on “The Right to Peaceful Demonstration and the Duties of the Police,” highlighting the constitutional rights of citizens and the responsibilities of law enforcement officers during public gatherings.
Also speaking, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Mr. Adebayo Harooun, presented a paper titled “Technology, the Police and the Youth,” where he explored the role of innovation and digital tools in improving public safety, crime prevention and collaboration between security agencies and young people.
Representing the youth constituency, the Vice Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Lagos State Chapter, Mr. Asoro Olatunji, described trust as the foundation of effective police-community relations.
He commended the Lagos State Government for institutionalising the annual Police-Youth Dialogue, describing it as a valuable platform for resolving concerns, promoting understanding and encouraging constructive engagement.
According to Olatunji, the police should be seen as partners in nation-building rather than adversaries, stressing that the actions of a few individuals involved in criminal activities should not define the larger youth population.
He also disclosed that a committee established to drive youth-police policy engagement is awaiting Governor Sanwo-Olu’s approval for inauguration, expressing optimism that it would further strengthen collaboration between both groups.
The summit 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.
Shasore expressed appreciation to stakeholders, participants, youth groups and security agencies for their commitment to promoting peace, strengthening public trust and advancing inclusive governance across Lagos State.
She also acknowledged the attendance of senior police officers, noting that their participation reflected a shared commitment to building safer communities through dialogue, mutual respect and sustained collaboration.
