The President of the UNESCO Read and Earn Federation (UNESCO‑REF), Prince Abdulsalami Ladigbolu‑Oramiyan, paid a high‑level working visit to Deputy Commissioner of Police Muyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), during the period of the End Bad Governance Protests. The visit was convened to finalize preparations for the first‑ever UNESCO‑REF Nigeria Police Youth Summit, a landmark national initiative designed to strengthen cordial relations between the Nigeria Police Force and Nigerian youth.
National Significance of the Engagement
This working visit represents a strategic intervention at a critical moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey. By fostering dialogue between law enforcement and young citizens, the initiative directly addresses the need for trust‑building, civic education, and inclusive participation in national security and governance. It reflects UNESCO‑REF’s institutional mandate to support Nigeria’s progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Prince Ladigbolu‑Oramiyan emphasized that the Nigeria Police Youth Summit is not merely an event, but a national platform for reconciliation and partnership. It is designed to:
• Bridge communication gaps between the Police and youth communities.
• Promote responsible citizenship and respect for the rule of law.
• Enhance youth participation in community policing and national development.
• Serve as a model for institutional collaboration that strengthens Nigeria’s democratic resilience.
Institutional Collaboration and Vision
DCP Adejobi welcomed the initiative, affirming the Nigeria Police Force’s readiness to partner with UNESCO‑REF in advancing youth‑focused programmes that reduce friction and build mutual respect. He noted that the Summit provides a structured avenue for dialogue, ensuring that youth voices are constructively integrated into national security discourse.
Prince Ladigbolu‑Oramiyan further underscored that the Summit is part of UNESCO‑REF’s broader strategy to enhance Nigeria’s attainment of the SDGs. By creating a platform for constructive engagement, the initiative will not only strengthen police‑youth relations but also contribute to national stability, social cohesion, and inclusive development.
Conclusion
The working visit concluded with a shared commitment to ensure the successful hosting of the UNESCO‑REF Nigeria Police Youth Summit, which will convene over 400 delegates nationwide, including youth leaders, police representatives, civil society actors, and development partners. This milestone initiative reflects Nigeria’s determination to transform police‑youth relations into a partnership rooted in dialogue, trust, and shared responsibility for the nation’s future.https://youtu.be/Mw3Wl4R5bLg?si=MvNPlxqrDs7SdOWh