The Executive Secretary/CEO of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Ayo Ogunsan, has called on Lagos youths to take an active role in strengthening the state’s security architecture by supporting and donating to the Fund.
His appeal came during an interactive Police-Youth Dialogue held on Thursday in Ikeja.
The event, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, created a rare interface between young people and security leaders, aiming to deepen trust and reshape long-standing perceptions.
Tagged “The Power of Partnership: Cultural Trust and Understanding Between Youth and Law Enforcement Agencies,” the dialogue brought together a vibrant mix of stakeholders, including the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, the Oniru of Iru Kingdom, Oba Omogbolahan Lawal, top government officials, senior police officers, youth groups, and civil society organisations.
Addressing the gathering, Commissioner Ogunlende reaffirmed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to youth-centered security interventions, noting that peace cannot thrive in any society without a functional relationship between young people and law enforcement.
“There can be no society where peace and security reign if there is no cordial relationship between the youth and the police,” he said, urging both parties to see themselves as partners and not adversaries.
Taking the podium afterwards, Dr. Ogunsan delivered what he described as his “quick gospel,” explaining the core mandate of LSSTF and why young people must not stay distant from the conversation.
According to him, the Fund exists primarily to support the Nigeria Police and other security agencies operating within Lagos State.
“The Nigeria Police are our primary focus because they hold the responsibility of managing internal security,” he told the audience, adding that equipping and supporting the police ultimately benefits every resident.
Ogunsan stressed that youths—who make up the largest demographic in Lagos—must see themselves as key players in sustaining a safer city. He challenged them to donate to LSSTF, insisting that contributions, no matter how small, go a long way.
“Don’t tell me Nigerian youths are poor,” he said with emphasis. “They are rich in intellect and rich in their pocket. Out of the little you have, donate to LSSTF.
The money is used to buy equipment, provide logistics, and fund training to help the police become more effective.”
He further noted that improved training ensures officers understand global best practices in policing—exactly the professionalism the youths demand.
On his part, CP Olohundare Jimoh praised the programme for bridging historical gaps between young people and the police.
He described the youth population as the “energy that drives Lagos,” highlighting their creativity, innovation, and socio-economic importance.
Jimoh reiterated his commitment to strengthening police–youth relations through ongoing dialogue, community partnerships, and empowerment initiatives designed to enhance mutual understanding.
He also outlined reforms underway in the Lagos Command, including the deployment of information officers across all area commands, the expansion of gender units to improve the protection of women and children, and the launch of the “Bail Is Free” campaign.
To reinforce the new initiative, the Commissioner disclosed that he has issued complimentary cards—bearing his signature—which guarantee free bail services across all police divisions in the state.
The dialogue ended on a hopeful note, with youth representatives expressing optimism that the renewed relationship with security agencies would help build a safer, more inclusive Lagos.
