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..we are committed to change our attitude behaviour, where necessary – IGP
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
In a bid to enhance the strained relations between the Nigeria Police and the nation’s youth, the ministries have inaugurated the “Young & Secure Project” at the presidential villa, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Presented during a joint press conference by Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, and Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, the initiative is designed to foster trust, promote cooperation, and inspire optimism among young Nigerians in relation to the Police Force.
This collaborative endeavour between the Ministries of Police Affairs and Youth Development aims to narrow the divide between youth and law enforcement entities. It includes a civic commitment pact, youth-focused engagement activities, and a technology-driven accountability platform as key components.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim explained that the project, “elevates the role of the Nigerian youth in the security architecture of the nation, as the platform empowers this very vibrant segment of the society to be watchguards, and active participants in ensuring the safety and security of their communities.
“The essence of this initiative is rooted in the belief that we are all police, each with a responsibility to contribute to the protection and well-being of our nation.
“As a young person who has travelled widely and internationally, I must say, that the Nigerian youth embody an indomitable spirit. Despite the myriad challenges we face, our spirit remains unbroken, our determination unwavering. It is this indomitable spirit that must be harnessed and celebrated, for it holds the key to unlocking our nation’s full potential.”
The state minister emphasised that the Young & Secure Project is meant to harness the youth’s resilience and energy and direct it towards positive participation and nation-building initiatives.
Olawande said in his remarks that the nation has been facing serious difficulties lately in closing the gap that exists between young people and law enforcement.
He said the urgent need for proactive and creative solutions are necessitated by the decline in mutual respect and trust between these important societal segments. For this reason, the Young & Secure initiative aims to establish a new era of mutual empowerment, cooperation, and respect between the youth and law enforcement.
The Minister pointed out that the project will empower the youth to become active participants in the process of nation-building while also equipping law enforcement officers with the necessary tools and training to serve with integrity and professionalism.
He said the project comprises three main blocks: A Pact that seeks to enhance civic commitment from young Nigerians, as well as government commitment to the security needs of young people; Youth-focused engagement that permeates youth culture; and A transparency, accountability, and reporting platform that is technology-driven and effective in prompt reporting and resolution of issues.
“Our success in achieving the objectives of Young & Secure hinges upon the collective efforts of government agencies, civil society organizations, the media, and, most importantly, the active participation of our youth and all other stakeholders in the Nigeria dream.
“We will continue to work to expand the pool of opportunities available to the Nigerian youth, and work to ensure that their voices are not only heard but that their perspectives are actively considered in policy formulation and implementation.
“The goal is to see the emergence of a world-class police force that is inclusive, intelligence-led, technology-driven, and community-based, that is alive to its constitutional responsibilities”, Olawande added.
In the same vain, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has assured that the personnel will continue to change their attitude and behaviour where necessary.
The IGP who was represented by DIG Dasuki Galadanci, outlined a range of strategies to enhance police-community relations, including the establishment of a National Youth Help Desk.
According to Galadanci, “the Youth Help Desk is an addition to what the present leadership of the police is doing. The current leadership under IGP Kayode Egbetokun, already had added things that we had before, but is more active now.
“We have what we call Force Provost Marshal, Force disciplinary committee, IGP monetary unit, escort, human right desk and we have what we call police complaint response unit. All these with the advent of technology, community policing, which entails partnership and collaboration with stakeholders are already on WhatsApp, Instagram, X formerly twitter, email, and any other social media platform, so that we can interface with the youth.
“Then at the villages, we have human rights desk at each divisional police headquarters. So if you have any genuine grievances that you think you need to seek redress, you can personally you go there and report. If you don’t want to go there, I believe every Nigerian has this mobile handset now, you can take advantage and then report. But the most important thing in this initiative that the two ministers have already spoken about, if two of us can be in one place, discuss and iron our differences, it will always be a smooth ride.
“Look at it this way, if you’re in the classroom with any other person for one year, or even for three days or four days, you see that you are on the same ground, you know the name and all that. The thing is, it’s all about action because action speaks more than voice. And we are talking about mutual empowerment of both the police and the youths, so that anybody that has genuine grievances can seek redress.
“Additionally, look at the solutions that the ministers have provided. In addition to all these things that we have in the police, we now have National Youth Help Desk where you can personally go there and report whatever case you have. Whether it is commendation or a challenge that you have encountered during an encounter with the police.
“So this (Young & Secure Project) is a very laudable initiative and we are happy that we are part of this. And I promise you that with the Renewed Hope Agenda, we are still committed to changing our attitude and behaviour, where necessary. And all these issues that he has talked about feedback, the key words are openness and feedback. We have feedback, even on national television, we can all bear witnesses to the fact that from time to time you will see policemen being dismissed after due into process for wrong doing.“
