The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, on Thursday said that inculcating right cultural values among youths would help to fight crime in the society.
Owoseni told the News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN ) in Lagos on the sideline of the GOGE Africa Foundation event with theme: `Choose what is Good’ held at the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos State.
The commissioner said the State Police Command was happy to partner GOGE Africa Foundation in helping youths overcome crimes and terrorism.
“We are happy to reach out to that vibrant part of the society to help us in many ways, especially in fighting violence, terrorism and promoting positive values.
“Youths are the vehicles and tools which can help the police in the country. Both state and non-state actors are all stakeholders in this regard.
“The trend behind it is community policing which entails that we should partner the public, and one of the most vibrant actors are the youth,” he said.
Owoseni said that the police command would be using the guidance and counselling programme to reach out to the society.
“What we are preaching to the youth is non-violent engagement. We are charging them to imbibe the spirit of tolerance and consultation.
“They are the engine of change if we can drive them positively with their vibrancy, especially, in fighting violence and promoting positive values.
“We will have a non-violent community,” he said.
The commissioner also said that youths must be encouraged to take education seriously, imbibe parental guidance and the culture of positive values.
NAN reports that GOGE Africa Foundation was established in 2007 by the founders and producers of the award winning culture and tourism TV programme – GOGE Africa.
It was established to empower youths in Africa toward self development as a catalyst for building a strong and sustainable economy for the continent.
The foundation’s programme include: Cultural Exchange Programmes, Internship Placement, Annual Career Guidance and Counseling Programme for Secondary Schools.
Others are media and tourism training programme, mentorship and entrepreneurial programmes, seasonal youth tourism programme and excursions among others. (NAN)