Partnership between youth and police essential for lasting peace – LASG

The Lagos State Government has emphasized that a strong partnership between young people and law enforcement agencies is crucial for peace, security, and sustainable development.

The Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende, made this known on Thursday during his welcome address at the closing ceremony of the 2025 Police–Youth Dialogue, held at the Anchor Events Centre, Agidingbi, Ikeja.

According to him, no society can enjoy peace and security without mutual understanding between the youth and the police.

“There can be no society where peace and security reign if there is no cordial relationship between the youth and law enforcement agencies. There must be understanding between both sides. This partnership is essential for progress. The youth must see the police as friends, while the police must regard the youth as partners. There is no need for hostility or antagonism. United we stand, divided we fall,” he said.

Ogunlende reiterated Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property through youth-focused initiatives and by strengthening the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) to keep the state safe for all.

Delivering his address as Guest Speaker, legal scholar Dr. Muiz Banire, SAN, described the dialogue as the dawn of a new era, noting that it has successfully brought young people and law enforcement agencies together under one roof for collaboration.

“This programme is both timely and urgent. Every society that desires security, peace, and progress cannot do without the police. While law enforcement officers must avoid abuse of power and human rights violations, the youth must also be conversant with their constitutional rights. No right is absolute; what we need is partnership,” Banire said.

In his keynote remarks, the Oniru of Iru Kingdom, HRM Oba Omogbolahan Lawal, CON, highlighted socioeconomic frustration, weak civic culture, stereotyping, and profiling as major factors that fuel distrust between youths and security operatives.

“When trust grows, suspicion fades. When cooperation rises, crime falls. To move from rhetoric to results, we must build practical structures of trust anchored on dialogue, capacity building, accountability, incentives, mentorship, and volunteering. Let us move from blame to bridge-building, from confrontation to collaboration,” the monarch stated.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Pharm. (Mrs.) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, said the youth and the police cannot afford to remain at odds.

“We stand to gain a lot from partnership. The youth must see the police as part of us, empowered by the Constitution to prevent crime and maintain peace. Their absence would lead to anarchy, which none of us can survive,” she said.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Moshood Jimoh, assured the youth of closer collaboration, adding that the Command would soon establish a Youth Advisory Council to address issues affecting young people across the state.