On Thursday, the Federal Government unveiled the logo and features of the Young and Secure project, aimed at enhancing collaboration between youth and the police to strengthen national security.

The project was jointly launched by the Minister of State for Police Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, and the Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, at the Banquet Hall, Aso Villa, Abuja. This initiative is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to restore trust and renew the hope of young Nigerians in the police force.

During the event, Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasized President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety, security, and prosperity of all Nigerian citizens.

“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 and Secure Project, which is to enhance collaboration between the youth and the police towards strengthening national security.

“It elevates the role of Nigerian youth in the security architecture of the nation, empowering this vibrant segment of society to act as watchguards and active participants in ensuring the safety and security of their communities.

“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,” she stressed.

The minister also praised the resilience and determination of Nigerian youth, despite numerous challenges.

Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, highlighted the significant challenges in bridging the gap between youth and law enforcement agencies. He emphasized the erosion of trust and understanding between these vital segments of society and the urgent need for proactive and innovative solutions.

He stated, “The Young and 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.

“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 and Secure hinges upon the collective efforts of government agencies, civil society organisations, the media, and, most importantly, the active participation of our youth and all other stakeholders in the Nigerian dream.”

DIG Dasuki Galadachi, representing the Inspector General of Police, mentioned ongoing reforms in the police force. He noted that the youth help desk is part of these reforms, enabling citizens to report challenges to the police.

“We have a Post Provost Marshall, Escort, IGP Monitoring Unit, Human Rights Desk, and Police Complaint Response Unit, and with the advent of police community policing and social media platforms such as X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and the youth desk, Nigerians can interface through social media to seek redress for their genuine complaints,” he said.

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, expressed deep dismay over Nigeria’s inability to provide electricity to even one of its major cities, contrasting it with Tanzania’s achievement of electrifying all its major urban centers. Obi highlighted a World Bank report indicating that while approximately 70% of Tanzania’s rural population has gained access to electricity, Nigeria lags far behind in this regard.

The contrast was underscored by recent news that Tanzania had shut down five hydroelectric stations due to surplus electricity in its grid, a move made possible by adequate power production to meet urban and rural needs. Obi emphasized the need for Nigeria’s government to address and revitalize the electricity sector, lamenting the economic repercussions of widespread power shortages. He cited statistics revealing that 60% of Nigeria’s population lacks access to electricity, as per a 2022 Energy Progress Report.

Obi stressed the urgent necessity for Nigeria to emulate Tanzania’s success by ensuring reliable electricity provision, particularly in major cities across the country. He called for decisive action to reform and rejuvenate Nigeria’s power sector, advocating for competent and dedicated leadership to achieve this critical goal. Ultimately, he emphasized that a stable power sector is indispensable for Nigeria’s progress toward a better future.

A Channels Television journalist, Joshua Rogers, was abducted from his home in Rumuosi, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State by unidentified gunmen. The incident occurred on Thursday night around 9 pm, as he returned from work. He was reportedly followed to his residence by the assailants who then confronted him at gunpoint, forcing him into his car and driving off.

Rogers, who serves as the Government House correspondent for Channels Television, had earlier covered an event in Ndoni, Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni LGA, where Governor Siminalayi Fubara inaugurated a primary healthcare center donated to the state by former Rivers State Governor, Peter Odili.

The abductors subsequently contacted Rogers’ wife, demanding a ransom of N30 million. Attempts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, for comment were unsuccessful.