On Thursday, the Federal Government unveiled the logo and features of the Young and Secure project, aimed at enhancing collaboration between youth and the police to strengthen national security.
The project was jointly launched by the Minister of State for Police Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, and the Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, at the Banquet Hall, Aso Villa, Abuja. This initiative is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to restore trust and renew the hope of young Nigerians in the police force.
During the event, Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasized President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety, security, and prosperity of all Nigerian citizens.
“I am truly delighted to stand before you today alongside my esteemed colleague, the Minister of State for Youth Development, as we unveil the goal of the Young and Secure Project, which is to enhance collaboration between the youth and the police towards strengthening national security.
“It elevates the role of Nigerian youth in the security architecture of the nation, empowering this vibrant segment of society to act as watchguards and active participants in ensuring the safety and security of their communities.
“The essence of the 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,” she stressed.
The minister also praised the resilience and determination of Nigerian youth, despite numerous challenges.
Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, highlighted the significant challenges in bridging the gap between youth and law enforcement agencies. He emphasized the erosion of trust and understanding between these vital segments of society and the urgent need for proactive and innovative solutions.
He stated, “The Young and Secure initiative emerges as a critical platform to address this pressing issue and forge a new era of collaboration, respect, and mutual empowerment between our youth and law enforcement agencies.
“As we unveil the logo and outline the features of this initiative today, I urge all stakeholders present to embrace this opportunity for collaboration and dialogue.
“Our success in achieving the objectives of Young and Secure hinges upon the collective efforts of government agencies, civil society organisations, the media, and, most importantly, the active participation of our youth and all other stakeholders in the Nigerian dream.”
DIG Dasuki Galadachi, representing the Inspector General of Police, mentioned ongoing reforms in the police force. He noted that the youth help desk is part of these reforms, enabling citizens to report challenges to the police.
“We have a Post Provost Marshall, Escort, IGP Monitoring Unit, Human Rights Desk, and Police Complaint Response Unit, and with the advent of police community policing and social media platforms such as X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and the youth desk, Nigerians can interface through social media to seek redress for their genuine complaints,” he said.