In commemoration of the annual United Nations (UN) International Youth Day, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on Monday, August 12, 2024, hosted the Nigeria Police Youth Summit at the Police Resource Centre, Jabi, Abuja, which also, signifies the commitment of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD., NPM., to the enhancement of national security through youth inclusivity and engagement.
The event themed “Enhancing The Nigerian Youth’s Value for National Security Intelligence”, aimed to engage youth in national security efforts, promote their contributions, and address challenges facing the nation.
Force Police Relations Officers, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement, said, the event had in attendance, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who was represented by the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim; the Honourable Minister of Police Affairs, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Police Affairs, Mr. James Sule; National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who was represented by Maj. Gen. PP Malla, the Director of Defence Affairs.
He said various presidents and heads of national youth organizations, the national youth council, the national youth coalition, and several other key youth leaders of organizations were also in attendance, including other dignitaries like the Chairman Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (Rtd), and representatives of the various service chiefs and paramilitary organisations.
According to Adejobi, the summit highlighted an address by the keynote speaker; Prof. Lanre Fagbohun, which focused on the importance of youth inclusivity in key areas of national security, reward systems for youth development, and sponsorship programmes to encourage youths and promote national growth. It also featured a panel discussion which gave an avenue for several youth leaders and representatives in attendance to seek clarifications and understanding of vital issues and solutions to several challenges facing the country.
In his address, the President recognized the vital role of the youth in shaping the nation’s future and reaffirmed his commitment to engaging young minds and empowering them to reach their full potential, promising to build a generation of leaders, thinkers, and change-makers who will shape the future of the nation and the world.
Describing the event as a vital turning point, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, in his address reinstated his belief in the Nigerian Youths and their vital role in achieving national security and sustainable development.
The insights and ideas generated in the summit will contribute to enhancing national security intelligence and promoting youth development and the Federal Government and the Nigeria Police Force remain committed to supporting and empowering the youth to reach their full potential.