The Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development (AYD), Hon. Adebowale Adebayo Falana, has called for stronger collaboration between the youth and the Nigeria Police Force to sustain peace, security and development across the state.
Falana made the call on Friday during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji, at the Police Headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan.
The visit, which followed the recently concluded National Youth Day activities, brought together the leadership of the Agency for Youth Development and representatives of major youth organisations across Oyo State.
Falana described the meeting as an opportunity to strengthen the existing relationship between the youth constituency and the police, stressing that the youth remained critical stakeholders in the efforts to build a peaceful, prosperous and secure Oyo State.
He commended CP Ayodeji for what he described as his youth-friendly and community-oriented approach to policing, noting that the Commissioner had demonstrated that effective policing goes beyond confrontation to include dialogue, partnership and mutual understanding.
According to him, the AYD was at the Police Headquarters not only to pay a courtesy visit but also to appreciate the Commissioner for his contributions to the security and stability of the state.
“We are here as partners in progress. We appreciate the work you are doing as a father in Oyo State, particularly in securing lives and property. The Agency for Youth Development wants to be a dependable partner of the police in security matters,” Falana said.
He also appreciated Governor Seyi Makinde for creating an enabling environment for youth development and ensuring that youth-related structures in the state remained coordinated and functional.
Falana explained that one of the core responsibilities of the Agency was to promote responsible citizenship and ensure that young people remained law-abiding, productive and united under a coordinated structure.
He disclosed that the Agency had successfully harmonised major youth organisations in the state, with about 540 youth associations and community-based structures spread across the various local government areas.
According to him, the platform provides an avenue through which government and security agencies can communicate directly with young people, especially when there is urgent information or a need for community-level mobilisation.
“We have harmonised the major youth organisations in Oyo State. Their clusters are with us, and we want to make this structure available to the police for urgent information dissemination and community engagement whenever necessary,” he said.
Falana further commended the Commissioner for the role played by the police in maintaining security across the state, particularly in the rescue of the abducted children in Oriire Local Government Area.
He said the youth would continue to support the security agencies in ensuring that Oyo State remained peaceful, especially as the 2027 general elections approach.
Responding, CP Abimbola Ayodeji expressed delight over the visit and commended the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development for establishing a coordinated platform through which youth organisations could interface with government and security agencies.
The Commissioner described the creation of a dedicated youth development agency as a significant development, saying it would make the coordination and enforcement of youth-related policies easier.
He particularly praised Falana for bringing various youth structures together under a coordinated framework, noting that unity among youth organisations would prevent unnecessary division and strengthen their collective voice.
CP Ayodeji, however, cautioned young people against allowing themselves to be used as instruments of violence, political thuggery or destruction during the forthcoming electioneering period.
He observed that the political environment could expose young people to both positive and negative influences, urging them to resist attempts by politicians or other individuals to use them to cause violence.
The Commissioner stressed that the future of the youth was more important than temporary financial inducements or political patronage.
He urged young people to focus on their long-term development, saying they should carefully evaluate political candidates based on their manifestoes and developmental agenda rather than allowing themselves to be influenced by money.
“Your future is bigger than today. Do not allow anybody to use you to cause violence. Do not become a model for political thuggery. Whatever benefit you think you are getting today cannot be compared with what your future holds,” he cautioned.
CP Ayodeji also warned against the use of social media to promote violence, misinformation, vandalism and destruction of public property, urging the youth to use digital platforms responsibly.
He advised the youth to protect public infrastructure and regard Oyo State as their home, stressing that the responsibility of building a better society should not be left to government alone.
The Commissioner further called on the youth to work in unity and embrace peaceful engagement with security agencies, noting that constructive partnership would make the task of policing the state easier.
He assured the youth organisations of the command’s support and willingness to collaborate with them in areas of engagement, sensitisation and community security.
“Anywhere and any day, if you have complaints, go to the nearest police station and present them peacefully. You will be properly attended to,” CP Ayodeji assured.
He also encouraged the youth to familiarise themselves with the laws of the country and understand the appropriate channels for addressing grievances rather than resorting to confrontation.
During the interactive session, representatives of youth organisations made several requests aimed at strengthening youth-police relations.
The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) called for the designation of a police desk officer to serve as a liaison between the command and youth organisations, as well as the provision of branded reflective vests to enhance the visibility and effectiveness of youth groups during community engagements.
Another youth representative, Benedicts, called for the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at strategic locations across the state to strengthen surveillance and improve security.
He also appealed for greater collaboration among Yoruba youth organisations and requested that the Commissioner consider participating in future youth engagements as a special guest.
In response, the Commissioner explained that the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) and Police Public Complaints Officers could serve as accessible channels for communication and complaints, while urging the youth to become more familiar with relevant laws and established procedures.
The meeting underscored the importance of sustained dialogue and collaboration between the police, government and youth organisations in promoting peace, security and development in Oyo State.
The Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, Alhaja Mustapha K.O., delivered the closing remarks, appreciating the Commissioner of Police and his management team for receiving the youth delegation and for their commitment to maintaining peace and security across the state.
She reaffirmed the Agency’s readiness to deepen its partnership with the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant stakeholders in advancing youth development, responsible citizenship and a peaceful Oyo State.
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