Partnership Is Essential For Progress - LASG

 

By Kayode Olopade 

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

Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende, said this in his welcome address at the closing ceremony of the 2025 Police Youth Dialogue held at the Anchor Events Centre, Agidingbi Ikeja, today.

He reiterated the commitment of the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu to security of life and property through various youth oriented initiatives put in place by the Ministry to keep the youth well engaged in addition to strengthening the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) to ensure that Lagos State remains safe and secure for all and sundry.  

In his address, the Guest Speaker, Muiz Banire,SAN, described the Police Youth Dialogue as the dawn of a new era because it has brought under one roof law enforcement agencies and the youth in order to collaborate for the good of the entire society.

His words,"It is noteworthy that this program is both timely and urgent.We need the Police for a sane society.Every society that desires security, peace and progress cannot do without the police.While the law enforcement agencies should avoid abuse of power and human rights violation, the youth on their part should be conversant with their rights according to our Constitution.No right is absolute.What we need is partnership."

In his keynote address, HRM Oba Omogbolahan Lawal,CON,Oniru of Iru Kingdom identified socioeconomic frustration,weak civic culture, stereotyping and profiling among the things which caused distrust between the law enforcement agencies and the youth.

The Monarch said,"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 and Incentives, Mentorship and Volunteering . Let us move from blame to bridge building, from confrontation to collaboration and from suspicion to solidarity.Partnership is power."

On her part the Permanent Secretary Pharm (Mrs) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu said,"we realized that the youth and law enforcement agencies cannot afford to be at loggerheads.There is need for partnership, that is why the Ministry in line with the vision of the Governor we are organizing this third edition of the Police Youth Dialogue.

She said,"there is a lot we stand to gain from partnership.The youth must see the police as part of us empowered by the Constitution to prevent crime and maintain peace.Their absence can lead to breakdown of peace and anarchy which no one of us can stand.We all need to come together to build the society we all desire."

On his part, Lagos Commissioner of Police,Mr Moshood Jimoh assured the youth of working collaboratively with them for a peaceful state, adding that a Youth Advisory Council would be established to address issues affecting the youth.