The Executive Secretary/CEO of Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Ayo Ogunsan is urging Lagos’s biggest segment of the population to chore up the capacity of the Public-Private partnership agency so that it can continue to deliver on its set objectives. Dr. Ogunsan made the call when he interacted with the youths at the Police-Youth Dialogue yesterday in Lagos. The event was organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development in Ikeja, Lagos.
Themed ‘The Power of Partnership: Cultural Trust and Understanding Between Youth and Law Enforcement Agencies’, the event had in attendance the Commissioner of Youth and Social Development, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende; the Executive Secretary CEO of LSSTF, Dr. Ayo Ogunsan; the Lagos Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh; top government officials; senior Police officers, youth representatives, and civil society groups.
The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende in his opening address highlighted Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to youth-focused security programmes, ensuring peace and security through sustained youth engagement, and collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
He noted that ‘There can be no society where peace and security reign if there is no cordial relationship between the youth and the Police.’
‘Both sides must see each other as partners in progress’, Ogunlende affirmed.
In his remarks, the LSSTF boss, Dr. Ayo Ogunsan stated: ‘Our own job is very simple and I am going to preach the Gospel here very quickly. At the LSSTF, we raise funds to take care of the Nigeria Police and other security agencies in Lagos. The Nigeria Police are our primary focus because they are in charge of internal security in any part of this country including Lagos.’
The Executive Secretary emphasized the role of youth in the security architecture of Lagos State and encouraged them to partner with the Fund so as to maintain a safer Lagos for everyone. ‘What that means is that you should donate to the LSSTF no matter how small. Don’t tell me Nigerian youths are poor, no they are not poor, they are very rich in intellect and in their pocket.’
‘Out of the little you have, donate to the LSSTF, the money is used to buy equipment to support Police so that they can perform better and keep Lagos safer. It is also used to provide logistics and to train the Police better so that they can understand the best practices that you need from them’, Ogunsan said.
On his part, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh said he is committed to strengthening the relationship between Nigeria Police and young people through continuous dialogue, community partnerships, and empowerment initiatives.
He said: ‘The youth population is vibrant, innovative, and forward-thinking; they represent the energy that drives our economy and defines our culture, This programme has erased longstanding gaps and misunderstandings between the Police and young people in the state.’
Jimoh highlighted several initiatives aimed at improving Police–youth relations, including the appointment of information officers across all area commands, expansion of gender units to enhance the protection of women and children, and the launch of a ‘Bail is Free’ initiative to ensure that bail services are indeed free of charge across Lagos State. ‘As part of the initiative, I have distributed complimentary cards bearing my signature, which guarantee free bail services across all police divisions in the state,’ he said.