The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Lekki LCDA Branch, has reaffirmed its commitment to youth development, civic engagement and community safety following its participation in the Political Intelligence Summit: Youth–Police Engagement Programme held in Epe.
Epe Insights reports that the summit was organised by the Lagos State Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement in collaboration with the Lagos State Bureau of Public Defender (BPD) at the Otunba Adebayo Adejonwo Multipurpose Hall, Epe Local Government Secretariat.
The NYCN Lekki LCDA delegation was led by its Coordinator, Comrade Olabanjo Sakiru Oriyomi, alongside nine executive and directorate members of the branch.
The summit attracted youth leaders, government officials, representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, educators, civil society organisations, community stakeholders and development partners from across Epe Division.
The engagement was designed to strengthen collaboration between young people and security institutions while promoting civic responsibility and peaceful coexistence.
Participants explored practical strategies for improving trust between youths and law enforcement agencies through dialogue, mutual respect and active community participation.
Discussions also focused on the important role of young people in supporting national security through responsible citizenship and lawful civic engagement.
Speakers emphasised that youths remain critical partners in building safer communities and sustaining peace across Lagos State.
Participants were encouraged to embrace patriotism by contributing positively to community development and supporting initiatives that promote public safety.
The summit highlighted the value of community policing, with speakers urging young people to provide credible information that can assist security agencies in preventing crime.
Stakeholders also stressed the need for constructive engagement between youths and security personnel to reduce misunderstanding and strengthen public confidence.
Presentations during the programme examined the importance of peaceful dialogue as the preferred means of addressing civic concerns and resolving conflicts.
Speakers encouraged young people to utilise lawful channels for expressing opinions while respecting the rule of law and democratic principles.
The Bureau of Public Defender reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of Lagos residents, particularly young people.
Officials explained that the agency remains available to provide free legal advice, mediation services and legal representation for eligible residents across the state.
Representatives of the Nigeria Police Force also called for stronger partnerships with youth organisations to improve community policing and intelligence gathering.
According to security officials, cooperation between residents and law enforcement agencies remains essential for crime prevention and public safety.
One of the major highlights of the summit was the interactive session between youth representatives and security officials.
The discussions provided participants with the opportunity to ask questions, express concerns and exchange ideas on strengthening youth-police relations.
Stakeholders described the dialogue as a positive step toward promoting transparency, trust and mutual understanding between both groups.
The engagement also reinforced the importance of collaboration in addressing security challenges affecting communities across the Epe Division.
Speaking after the programme, the leadership of the NYCN Lekki LCDA Branch reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that empower young people through education, leadership and civic participation.
The branch noted that programmes such as the Political Intelligence Summit equip youths with the knowledge needed to become responsible citizens and active contributors to community development.
The council also pledged to continue partnering with government institutions, security agencies and development organisations to promote peace and social progress.
According to the NYCN Lekki LCDA Branch, youth organisations have an important role to play in encouraging responsible leadership, conflict prevention and community service.
The branch maintained that sustained collaboration between government, security agencies and youth groups will strengthen democratic participation and improve public confidence.
Participants commended the Lagos State Government, the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement and the Bureau of Public Defender for organising the summit.
They described the programme as timely, noting that continuous engagement between youths and security agencies remains vital to fostering peaceful communities and responsible citizenship.
The Political Intelligence Summit concluded with a renewed commitment by participants to promote dialogue, uphold the rule of law and support initiatives that protect lives and property across Epe Division, Lekki LCDA and Lagos State.
