The minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, the inspector-general of police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun, and other security stakeholders have charged Nigerian youths with harnessing their energy in meaningful nation-building.
Speaking at the Nigeria Police Youth Summit, commemorating the 2024 International Youth Day in Abuja, the minister said: “In recent weeks, we have witnessed a surge in civic engagement among our youth.
However, it is essential to remind ourselves of the responsibilities of this engagement. The President’s Renewed Hope Agenda is rooted in a vision for a Nigeria where our youth are not only participants but leaders in the quest for national security and development. Together, we must cultivate a culture of constructive dialogue, resorting to discussions to express grievances rather than taking destructive actions.
“I also consider this epoch-making event a wonderful opportunity to thank Nigerian youths for yielding to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s call to suspend the protest and accept dialogue, which is the most viable platform for citizens/government’s engagement.”
He further said: “Youth engagement in national security matters is not just beneficial; it is imperative. The role of our young people in identifying and addressing security challenges cannot be overstated. Young Nigerians possess unique insights, innovative ideas, and the energy required to confront the issues that face our nation. Today, we must focus on harnessing that energy and turning it into a force for good.”
Also speaking, the IGP said, “The summit is a celebration of the power of young people to drive positive change and shape their brighter future.”
He further said that this year’s theme reminds us that our nation’s strength and future rests on our youth. Their role is pivotal in driving social change, designing our security architecture, and advancing sustainable development. Let us harness the zeal and creativity of our youth to bring a safer and more secure future for our nation.
The IGP also noted that this summit will serve as a critical platform for the youth and the Nigeria Police to come together and propose good ideas to help shape the nation’s security.
He said this summit will undoubtedly contribute significantly to our collective efforts in enhancing national security intelligence.
Meanwhile, the chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd, in a keynote address at the event, said the summit needed to suggest and recommend better anticipating emerging issues and “strategize more innovatively about the best policies and interventions for addressing and acting quickly to maximise its chances of success.”
