US Hosts Nigeria Police, Community Leaders on Crime and Violence Prevention

The United States Consulate General in Lagos, Lagos State Police Command, civil society organisations, and community leaders met for an exploratory discussion to reduce violence in Lagos and encourage nonviolent resolution of disputes, as well as improve opportunities for youth.

United States Consul General, F. John Bray, hosted a roundtable discussion on June 9, 2016, with the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly Mudashiru Obasa, Oba of Lagos Rilwan Akiolu, Lagos Police Commissioner Fatai Owoseni, Nigerian pop singer and Nigeria Police Force Youth Ambassador, Korede Bello, and eight other civil society representatives, leaders of security agencies, and leaders of road transport unions in attendance.

The participants shared best practices for peace-building, their vision for a safer community, and ways of further strengthening partnerships between youth and the police. “We sought to spark a dialogue for leaders in law enforcement, government, civil society, trade unions, and culture, where they could come together informally and generate ideas that could improve safety and security for the citizens,” said Consul General Bray.

“We urge the stakeholders to continue the conversation and engagement, to the benefit of Lagos youth,” he said.