By Hillary Asemota
The Minister of States, Ministry of Police Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, and her counterpart in Youth Development Ayodele Olawande, have jointly unveiled the logo and feature of the Young and Secure project of the Renewed Hope Programme of President Bola Tinubu.
The core initiative of the programme according to them is aimed at restoring trust, strengthening collaboration, and renewing the hope of young Nigerians in the Police Force.
The project “Young & Secure Project.” Renewed Hope Program on security for young Nigerians is an engagement initiative of the Ministry of Police Affairs and the Ministry of Youth Development which was unveiled to the media in Abuja.
Imaan, said today marks another milestone in our effort to deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency President Bola Tinubu and the presidential mandate adding that the administration remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the safety, security, and prosperity of every Nigerian citizen.
In her words, “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 & Secure Project is to enhance the collaboration between the youth and the police towards strengthening National Security. It 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”.
She added that 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.
Imaan, noted that Nigerian youth embody an indomitable spirit despite the myriad challenges we face, our spirit remains unbroken, our determination unwavering.
In his contribution, the Minister of State for Youth Development, pointed out that the nation has grappled with significant challenges in bridging the gap between our youth and law enforcement agencies noting that the erosion of trust and understanding between these vital segments of the society has underscored the urgent need for proactive and innovative solutions.
He said it is within this context that the Young & 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.” He stressed.
According to him: “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 & 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”
Earlier, the representative of the Inspector General of Police, DIG Dasuki Galadachi stated that reforms in the police are ongoing and the youth help desk is an addition to what the present leadership of police under the Inspector General of Police reactivated to enable citizens to report any challenges with the police.
“We have a Post Provost Marshall, Escort, IGP Monitoring Unit, Human Rights Desk, Police Complaint Response Unit, and with the advent of police community policing and social media such as X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and youth desk, Nigerians can interface through the social media to seek for redress of their genuine complaints”.
The project comprises three main blocks namely: 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.
