The Anambra State Police Command on Friday, 31st May 2025, played host to a delegation of Igbo Youth Stakeholders at the Command Headquarters in Awka, as part of its ongoing efforts to deepen collaboration with youth groups and enhance public safety and order in the state.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc, MNIPS, PhD, received the delegation in his office and highlighted the importance of collective efforts in achieving a peaceful and secure environment. He commended Anambra youths for their peaceful conduct during the commemorative events of May 30th, which passed without violence despite threats from what he described as “common enemies of the state.”
According to the CP, the maturity displayed by the youths was a clear indication of their growing commitment to peace and security. He emphasized that such responsible behavior strengthens the confidence of the security agencies in engaging more with young people as critical partners in crime prevention and societal stability.
In response, the leader of the delegation, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, expressed appreciation to the Commissioner of Police and assured him of continued cooperation from the youth. He also informed the Command about the planned Igbo Youth Stakeholders Convention, which is set to be held in Anambra State. The convention aims to provide a platform for young leaders to brainstorm on vital issues affecting the Southeast region, with a particular focus on security.
Joining the Commissioner to receive the visitors was the Anambra State Director of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr Daniel Onyishi. He urged the youth body to remain law-abiding during the convention and commended their initiative to hold constructive dialogue. He also reiterated the resolve of all security agencies in the state to collectively tackle criminal activities, while encouraging youth leaders to publicly denounce acts that threaten peace and stability.
The delegation included other youth leaders and stakeholders such as Mazi Ikechukwu Oji, Chairman of the Igbo Youth Leaders/Stakeholders Convention 2025 and Assistant National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo; Mazi Uzoh Ifeanyi C, Nigeria/African Regional Representative for the United Nations SDG Youth, Abuja; Mazi Odozi Nwodozi, former President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo FCT and former National Vice President of the organization; Mazi Oscar David Kalu, a member of the Board of Trustees of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN); Sir Ambrose Obioha, former Director of Sports for NANS; Comrade Ogbonnia Wenceslaus, Assistant National Leader of Ohanaeze Youth Worldwide; and Hon Mbanusi Emmanuel, PhD, a member of the National Advisory Council of NYCN.
The visit ended on a hopeful note, with both the Police Command and the youth stakeholders pledging to work together in promoting a culture of peace, mutual trust, and community-driven solutions to security challenges in Anambra and the Southeast at large.