By [Your Name], Lagos — November 4, 2025
The Lagos State Government has called on residents to work closely with law enforcement agencies to strengthen security and safeguard lives and property across the state.
Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende, made the appeal during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Police Youth Dialogue held on Tuesday at the ASSBIFI Event Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.
Ogunlende emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in achieving a safer Lagos, noting that effective collaboration between citizens and law enforcement officers was crucial to maintaining peace and security.
“All hands must be on deck through effective collaboration with law enforcement agencies to safeguard lives and property in our state,” he said.
The Commissioner described the theme of this year’s dialogue, “The Power of Partnership: Cultivating Trust and Understanding Between Youth and Law Enforcement Agencies,” as timely and reflective of the government’s vision to promote dialogue, trust, and inclusivity between young people and security operatives.
He added that the Police Youth Dialogue serves as a platform for youth and law enforcement officers to engage openly, share perspectives, and strengthen mutual understanding.
“Through such engagements, we can dispel misconceptions, build empathy, and nurture a shared sense of responsibility for the progress and peace of our state,” Ogunlende stated.
In his remarks, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Jimoh Moshood, commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for initiating the Police Youth Dialogue through the Ministry of Youth and Social Development.
He urged young people to see the police as partners in progress rather than adversaries, adding that consistent engagements like the dialogue would help build trust and bridge communication gaps between the police and the younger generation.
“This dialogue gives the youth a sense of belonging. With consistent engagements like this, the trust deficit will gradually be removed. It is a good platform to prepare our youth for leadership positions and strengthen police-youth relations,” Moshood noted.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Pharm. (Mrs.) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering young people and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“This dialogue is a clarion call to move from confrontation to collaboration. It provides a unique platform for open conversations, mutual learning, and joint problem-solving between the police, other security agencies and our youth, who remain the heartbeat of our society,” she said.
Guest speaker, Mr. Ibrahim Sodiq Duroorike, speaking on the theme of the dialogue, urged participants to adopt positive attitudes and work collectively with security agencies to build safer communities.
The event drew participants from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Armed Forces, and other key stakeholders in the security and youth development sectors.
