All hands must be on deck through effective collaboration with all the law enforcement agencies in order to ensure the security of life and property in Lagos State.
The Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlend stated this in his remarks at the 2025 Police Youth Dialogue opening ceremony held today at the Assbifi Event Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.
Mr. Ogunlende also said this year’s theme, “The Power of Partnership: Cultivating Trust And Understanding Between Youth And Law Enforcement Agencies,” which perfectly captures the essence of the collective mission, is meant to bridge divides, encourage, dialogue and promote safer and more inclusive communities.
Emphasising the importance of the Police Youth Dialogue, Mr Ogunlende said, “This dialogue provides an invaluable opportunity for our young people and security operatives to interact openly, share perspectives and forge meaningful partnerships that advance peace and community safety. It is through such engagements that we can dispel misconceptions, build empathy and nurture a sense of shared responsibility for the progress of our state.”
In the same vein, the Lagos State Police Commissioner, Mr. Jimoh Moshood, while commending the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for introducing the Police Youth Dialogue through the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, implored the youth to see the Police as their friends and partner in progress.
He said, “The Police Youth Dialogue would give the youth a sense of belonging. With constant engagement like this, the trust deficit will gradually be removed. It is a good platform to prepare our youth, who are the leaders of tomorrow, for leadership positions. It will help bridge the huge communication gap between the Police and our youth. As the Commissioner of Police, I assure you of our support in sustaining this collaboration.”
Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Pharm (Mrs.) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu stated that, “The Police Youth Dialogue is an initiative of the Ministry of Youth and Social Development designed to strengthen the partnership between our law enforcement agencies and the vibrant youth of our state”
“This Programme is a demonstration of the commitment of the Ministry to ensuring that the young people are not only protected but also empowered to play active roles in shaping safe, peaceful and inclusive communities. This dialogue serves as a unique platform for open conversation, mutual learning, and joint problem solving between the police, other security agencies and our youth who are without doubt the heartbeat of our society. It is a clarion call to move from confrontation to collaboration, “the Permanent Secretary added.
In his address, the Guest Speaker, Mr. Ibrahim Sodiq Duroorik, who spoke on the topic: “The Power of Partnership: Cultivating Trust and Understanding Between Youth and Law Enforcement”, enjoined the participants to have a shift in mindset from the misconceptions they used to have about Police. He advised the youth to see the Police from a positive perspective and collaborate with them to build a safe and secure society.
The 2025 Police Youth Dialogue had representatives from the NPF, LASTMA, FRSC, NDLEA and the Military, among others.
