Lagos State Govt Hosts Police-Youth Engagement Summit In Ikorodu

The Lagos State Government, through the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement (OPL&CE), in collaboration with the Bureau of the Public Defender (BPD), on Monday hosted the Police and Youth Engagement Programme at the Igbogbo Police Command, Ikorodu.

 

The summit, which forms part of a series across the five IBILE divisions of Lagos State, brought together youth groups, community leaders, and security agencies to deliberate on strengthening trust and cooperation between young people and the police.

 

The Special Adviser, Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr. Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen, who was represented by the Director of the Civic Engagement Department, Dr. Omotayo Babatunde, declared the summit open and reaffirmed the administration’s dedication under Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu to deepening inclusive governance, strengthening citizen participation, and advancing community-based security.

He disclosed that Ikorodu’s edition marked the third in the ongoing series across the State’s five divisions, designed to foster dialogue and build lasting trust between youths and the police.

In her remarks, the Director of the Lagos State Bureau of the Public Defender, Mrs. Olubunmi Adesomoju, highlighted the importance of justice and accountability in building stronger youth-police relations.

She stressed that the BPD’s mandate is to protect citizens’ rights and ensure that vulnerable groups, especially young people, understand their rights and responsibilities under the law.

The summit also featured technical sessions. Retired Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Public Defender, Dr. Babajide Martins, spoke on “Right to Peaceful Demonstrations and the Duties of the Police”, while Director, Public Prosecution, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Adebayo Harooun, delivered a session on “Technology, the Police and the Youth”. Both sessions underscored the need for proactive engagement and the role of innovation in strengthening community safety.

Adding the voice of the youth, the Vice Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Lagos State branch, Mr. Asoro Olatunji, stressed the importance of trust between young people and the police. He commended the Lagos State Ministry of Youth for institutionalising the annual Police-Youth Dialogue, which provides a platform for continuous engagement.

“Engagements like this will continue to close the gap in trust between the youth and the police. We do not see the police as our enemy; in fact, we see them as partners. While some youths may be involved in unlawful activities, many others are contributing innovative ideas to society. We must not allow the actions of a few to define the majority,” Mr. Olatunji said.

He further revealed that a committee on youth-police policy engagement, recommended during previous dialogues, is awaiting the Governor’s approval for inauguration. He assured the police of continued partnership from the youth, noting that mutual respect and proactive dialogue are essential for lasting peace and security.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Engr. (Ms.) Sholabomi Shasore, Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, by the Deputy Director, Scientific, Mr. Sanya Adepoju.

Shasore appreciated all stakeholders, participants, and partners for their commitment to building stronger youth-police relations and fostering inclusive governance in Lagos State. Her closing remarks also acknowledged the presence of senior police dignitaries, whose participation underscored the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and the youth in driving community safety.