Youth police partnership urged by RCCG national pastor

The National Youth Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Oluwafemi Oyetunde, led a delegation to the Oyo State Police Command headquarters on Thursday and called for a youth police partnership aimed at curbing crime and rebuilding trust between young people and law‑enforcement officers. Speaking to the police commissioner and senior officers, the pastor stressed that the church was ready to work hand‑in‑hand with the police to prevent violence, and he asked for information on short‑service entry pathways so that Oyo youths could consider policing as a career option.

During the meeting, Pastor Oyetunde asked how the two institutions could collaborate on crime prevention, noting that religious organisations have a stake in national development. “We are here to also talk about crime prevention. How can we prevent crime, and how can we also build trust between young people and the police?” he said, echoing a sentiment shared by many community leaders who see faith‑based groups as vital bridges to disengaged youths. The delegation, which included senior youth pastors such as Pastor Fabulous Oluwabusiwa and Pastor Wole Akindele, spent three days in Oyo, meeting church leaders, visiting key institutions and concluding with a 24‑hour prayer retreat titled “BUILDUP”.

Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, responded by urging young people to shun violence and to familiarize themselves with criminal law. He warned that ignorance of the law could expose youths to criminal liability, describing criminal statutes as “a naked wire, any little touch can be dangerous.” The commissioner added that understanding the law was the first line of defence against inadvertent offences, and he called on youths to use peaceful means when protesting or expressing grievances. “We are not saying you cannot come to protest. You can present your grievances, but you must be peaceful and civil,” he said.

Olugbenga highlighted community policing as a cornerstone of the proposed partnership, noting that it allows police and citizens to identify common problems and discuss solutions together. “Community policing makes it possible for us to identify a common problem and discuss the way forward. It will not be the police alone solving that problem,” he explained. He stressed that mutual understanding and open communication are essential for building trust, and he encouraged youths to learn more about the police career options available in the state, including short‑service entry programmes.

The pastor’s call comes at a time when Oyo State, like many parts of Nigeria, faces rising concerns about youth involvement in crime and unrest. Unemployment, limited access to information about legal rights, and a perception that law enforcement is distant have contributed to a growing disconnect between young citizens and the police. By inviting the police into church‑led youth programs, Pastor Oyetunde hopes to create a platform where legal education and moral guidance can be delivered side by side, reducing the allure of criminal activity. The church’s National Youth Affairs wing has previously engaged in community outreach, but this marks the first formal request for a structured partnership with the state police command.

In addition to the partnership discussion, Pastor Oyetunde sought concrete details on police recruitment, especially short‑service entry pathways that could attract recent graduates and school leavers. He argued that providing clear, accessible information about these routes would enable young people to make informed decisions about joining the force, thereby expanding the pool of recruits who are already familiar with the values promoted by the church. The police commissioner affirmed his willingness to share recruitment brochures and to organize career fairs in collaboration with the RCCG youth leadership.

The three‑day visit also featured a series of internal meetings among the RCCG youth executives, including regional youth evangelists such as Pastor Oyesanmi James and Pastor Oluwafemi Oladele, who discussed strategies for integrating legal awareness into existing youth programs. The delegation’s itinerary concluded with a 24‑hour prayer and word retreat, where participants reflected on the theme “BUILDUP” and prayed for the success of the proposed youth police partnership. Organisers said the retreat was intended to cement the commitment of church leaders to work alongside law‑enforcement agencies in fostering a safer environment for Oyo’s young population.

As the dialogue moves forward, both the church and the police command plan to convene a joint working group that will draft a memorandum of understanding outlining specific activities, timelines and responsibilities. The next step involves a follow‑up meeting scheduled for early next month, during which concrete program outlines, such as legal literacy workshops, mentorship schemes and joint community patrols, will be presented. Stakeholders anticipate that this collaborative effort could serve as a model for other states seeking to bridge the gap between youths and police, ultimately contributing to a more secure and informed generation.