The Lagos State Government has organised a Youth-Police Summit in Badagry to strengthen mutual understanding, build trust, and promote peaceful coexistence between young people and the Nigeria Police Force.
Eko Hot News reports that the summit was organised by the Lagos State Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement (OPL&CE) in collaboration with the Lagos State Bureau of the Public Defender (BPD). It brought together government officials, police officers, youth leaders, and stakeholders at the Area K Command along the Badagry Expressway.
The gathering focused on improving relationships between the police and young residents while educating participants on citizens’ rights, lawful policing, and the legal framework guiding public protests in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the Director of the Bureau of the Public Defender, Mrs. Olubunmi Adenike Adesomoju, stressed the importance of constructive engagement between the police and youths in sustaining peace and security across Lagos State.
She explained that the Nigeria Police Force remains the country’s only recognised police institution under Section 214(1) of the 1999 Constitution, noting that proposals for the establishment of state police are yet to become law.
Adesomoju said the activities of the Nigeria Police are currently guided by the Constitution, the Nigeria Police Act 2020, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, and the Lagos State Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) 2021.
She urged young people to understand their rights and responsibilities while encouraging stronger collaboration between citizens and law enforcement agencies in maintaining public order.
Delivering a presentation titled Protecting the Right to Protest While Ensuring Public Safety, the Director of Citizens’ Rights, Mr. Emmanuel Oluyinka Akande, reaffirmed that peaceful assembly remains a constitutional right protected under both Nigerian and international law.
Akande explained that the primary responsibility of the police during peaceful demonstrations is to protect participants and ensure public safety rather than disrupt lawful gatherings.
He added that under both Nigerian law and international standards, the absence of prior notification does not automatically make a peaceful protest unlawful.
However, he noted that Lagos State regulates public demonstrations through court-approved designated venues, including the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota and the Peace Park in Ketu, to ensure orderly public engagement.
The summit also featured a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Olaiwola Fatai, by the Area Commander of Area K Command, ACP Adeleke Smith.
The Police Command encouraged young people to embrace responsible citizenship and reject activities capable of disrupting community development.
Participants were advised to embrace dialogue, consultation, and lawful engagement as effective ways of resolving disagreements and strengthening cooperation between communities and security agencies.
Speaking on behalf of youths in Lagos West, Comrade Sunday David Aladeotan, Vice Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Lagos West Chapter, commended the Lagos State Government for creating platforms that encourage youth participation.
He, however, called for stronger economic empowerment programmes capable of addressing youth unemployment and creating sustainable opportunities for young people across the state.
According to him, expanding access to jobs, skills development, and entrepreneurship support would help reduce social challenges while giving more young residents productive opportunities.
He also observed that peaceful demonstrations are sometimes infiltrated by individuals whose actions do not represent the genuine intentions of organisers.
Stakeholders at the summit agreed that sustained dialogue remains essential for building confidence between young people and law enforcement agencies.
Participants emphasised that regular engagement, civic education, and respect for the rule of law would contribute significantly to maintaining peace across Lagos communities.
The summit concluded with recommendations calling for greater youth inclusion in government decision-making processes, stronger collaboration between security agencies and community leaders, and continuous public education on citizens’ rights and responsibilities.
Officials also reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence, protecting fundamental rights, and creating platforms that encourage constructive engagement between residents and public institutions.
The organisers expressed optimism that the initiative would strengthen trust between the police and young people while supporting Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision of a safer, more inclusive, and more peaceful Lagos State.
