Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with Eagle Crime Awareness and Prevention Initiative (ECAPI), an anti-crime organisation has flagged-off a youth anti-crime initiative, dubbed “‘Police/ECAPI Youth Anti-Crime Carnival”, at Police College, Ikeja, Lagos.
The carnival Which was hosted on the 27th of December 2023 has its theme: ‘Building Youth Resilience Against Crime Towards Safer Nigeria’.
Speaking at the event, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, commended ECAPI’s effort at sensitising the youth on dangers of engaging in crime.
The IGP, who was represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Salisu Khan of Zone 2 Command Headquarters (Lagos and Ogun), said for any nation to grow, the youth must not be neglected .
He said: “I wish to officially flag-off this initiative, in total recognition of moves by the Nigeria Police Force in calling our youth back to order. Crime prevention remains everyone’s business in Nigeria and should not be for the police alone.”
Earlier, President of ECAPI, Samuel Eniola Adam, said the project was the IGP’s initiative for eradicating crime among youth in the country.
“This project is an initiative of the IGP to educate younger ones, especially in Lagos, where we have the popular ‘area boys’. The initiative is to ensure a crime-free society,” he said.
On his part, the General Officer Commanding, Nigerian Army 81 Division, Lagos, Major General Mohammed Usman (represented by Major Sunday Akinyemi), urged Nigerians to always report crimes and follow up on them to help security agencies.
The guest speaker and Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, August Eye Security Services, Roy Oamien Okhidievbie, called on government to encourage and patronise youths who are involved in legitimate business.
Represented by Mustapha Akin, the guest speaker emphasised the importance of learning and improving the value of education in the country. This, he said, will keep the youth busy and prevent them from engaging in crimes.
