The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening relationships between young people and law enforcement agencies through sustained dialogue, civic engagement, and human rights awareness.
Eko Hot News reports that the commitment was restated during the Political Intelligence Summit on Youth-Police Engagement held at the Nigeria Police Zone 2 Headquarters in Onikan, Lagos.
The summit was organised through a collaboration between the Lagos State Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement (OPL&CE) and the Lagos State Bureau of the Public Defender (BPD).
With the theme “Bridging the Gap: Youth-Police Engagement for Community Safety and Social Reform,” the event brought together youth groups, security agencies, legal practitioners, civil society organisations, and government officials.
Participants explored practical strategies to strengthen trust between young people and the police while promoting community safety and respect for human rights.
Speaking at the summit, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr. Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen, represented by the Director of the Citizens Engagement Department, Dr. Babatunde Omotayo, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to inclusive governance.
He said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration remains focused on promoting civic participation and community-based security initiatives across Lagos State.
According to him, maintaining a safe society requires collaboration between government institutions, security agencies, communities, and young people.
He explained that the summit was designed to encourage meaningful dialogue, improve police-community relations, and promote youth participation in building safer neighbourhoods.
The Special Adviser described young people as valuable partners whose creativity, innovation, and energy are essential to strengthening community resilience and sustainable development.
Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Command, AIG Olorundare Moshood Jimoh, also emphasised the importance of mutual trust in effective policing.
He noted that strong partnerships between the police and youths contribute to safer communities through cooperation, responsible civic engagement, and constructive communication.
The police chief encouraged young people to support security efforts by sharing credible information, rejecting misinformation, and maintaining positive engagement with law enforcement agencies.
He also reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to professional policing standards built on accountability, inclusiveness, dialogue, and respect for human rights.
According to the AIG, regular engagement initiatives organised by the Lagos State Government have continued to improve understanding and cooperation between the police and youths.
Stakeholders at the summit commended the dialogue platform for creating opportunities to address concerns, exchange ideas, and strengthen confidence between communities and security agencies.
The Lagos State Government reiterated that youth inclusion remains central to its vision of building peaceful, secure, and resilient communities through collaboration and civic responsibility.
Officials expressed confidence that sustained engagement, rights education, and stronger partnerships will continue to promote public trust and support long-term community development across Lagos State.
