In a decisive move to mend fractured relationships and build mutual trust, the Lagos State Government (LASG) has hosted a one-day Political Intelligence Summit on Youth–Police Engagement. Organized by the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement (OPL&CE) in partnership with the Bureau of the Public Defender (BPD), the event aimed to strengthen trust, promote dialogue, and foster collaborative partnerships between young citizens and law enforcement agencies across the state.
The summit, themed “Bridging the Gap: Youth–Police Engagement for Community Safety and Social Reform,” directly aligns with Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ Development Agenda, specifically focusing on security, governance, social inclusion, and citizen engagement.
Government Advocates for Mutual Trust and Inclusion
Delivering the keynote address at the POWA Multipurpose Hall in Ikeja, the Special Adviser to the Governor on OPL&CE, Dr. Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen, emphasized that sustainable peace cannot exist in isolation.
“Sustainable security and social development can only be achieved through active citizen participation, mutual trust, and effective collaboration between communities and security institutions,” Dr. Tajudeen stated through his representative, Dr. Omotayo Babatunde, Director of the Citizens Engagement Department.
Supporting this stance, the Permanent Secretary of OPL&CE, Engr. Sholabomi Shasore, noted that meaningful engagement remains one of the most effective tools for building trust between government institutions and citizens.
“Sustainable peace and security can only be achieved when all stakeholders are given a voice and are encouraged to become partners in Governance. By bringing youths and security institutions together on a common platform, the State is taking deliberate steps towards bridging gaps, improving relationships, and building safer and more inclusive communities,” Shasore remarked.
Human Rights and Legal Protections Highlighted
The summit heavily emphasized the constitutional rights of citizens. The Permanent Secretary of the BPD, Dr. Babajide Martins, reminded attendees that peaceful protest is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.
“Citizens have the right to freely express their views and assemble peacefully. The Nigeria Police Force has a duty to protect protesters, maintain public order, and safeguard lives and property within the confines of the law and with respect for citizens’ rights,” Dr. Martins asserted.
Echoing this legal perspective, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Mr. Hameed Oyenuga, described the summit as crucial and timely given the nation’s current security climate. He revealed that the Lagos State Government has identified designated locations for demonstrations to balance constitutional freedoms with public order, urging continuous police training to ensure global policing standards.
Stakeholders Call for Police Welfare and Accountability
Renowned human rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Femi Falana, focused on the systemic issues plaguing law enforcement, demanding better welfare and modern equipment for the Nigeria Police Force.
“A well-resourced police institution is essential for building a safer and more secure society. Justice must be applied equally to all citizens regardless of status or influence. Officers must uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct during investigations and public interactions,” Falana argued.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja Branch, Mr. Adeniyi Quadri, pointed out that public confidence is built on daily encounters. He advocated for institutional accountability, including the proper identification of officers during operations and more respectful communication with the public, stating that welfare concerns should never be used as an excuse for misconduct.
Commitment to Restorative Justice
Representing the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, Assistant Commissioner of Police ACP Vicky Mulero commended the initiative, stating that it would equip officers with the vital skills needed to de-escalate tensions with young people. She reiterated the Lagos State Police Command’s commitment to prioritizing restorative justice over punitive approaches.
The summit concluded with participants receiving extensive lectures on global standards for arrest, the right to peaceful demonstration, electoral rights, and the role of community partnership in intelligence gathering, ending with a collective pledge from all stakeholders to sustain the dialogue for a safer Lagos.
Share this
