In Nigeria, awaiting trial inmates who are youths under the age of 30, constitute over 70 per cent of total prison inmates, and these are our emerging leaders who are not supposed to be behind bars, the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), National Youth & Women Committee said.
The National Coordinator PCRC, Engr. Junad Olatunji disclosed this at the PCRC National Youth & Women Seminar 2024 in conjunction with youth development Department, Social Development Secretariat FCT Abuja to mark the 40th Anniversary of the existence of Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), with the theme, PCRC @ 40 "Community Policing at it's Best.
Explaining the reason for the high population of youth in prisons, National Coordinator PCRC, Engr. Junad Olatunji said young inmates found themselves in trouble and when they appear ignorant of the law they tend to remain in prison for a long time.
“Our emerging leaders are not supposed to be behind bars, they have to be the change mechanism in the society. Some Nigerian youths are committing crime without knowing the consequences or repercussions for every actions. These youths were supposed to be leaders of tomorrow and the future of our country but they are in detention” he said.
"Therefore, we decided to organise this lecture to educate our youths, our women as an emerging leader
Strategies and initiatives that boost multiplier effects on socio-economic growth and development should be vigorously pursued by leaders as they show strong political will in tackling issues and challenges of socio- economic and national security.
The Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, DFPRO, CSP Victor Isuku said this today while delivery a lecture titled, " Emerging Leaders: Impacts on Socio-Economic and National Security"
In his lecture, CSP Victor Isuku noted there roles and functions of leadership and how it impacts socio-economic development and national security, can be summed as giving direction and guidance, formulating policies and guidelines for action; initiating plans and programmes, coordinating the execution and implementation of policies, stimulating, sustaining and raising moral; assessing and evaluating performance; resolving issues and conflicts, dedication to the welfare of those under its jurisdiction and sphere of authority.
He stressed that, a nation with a failed leadership is doomed to chaos, exploitation from within and without, and backwardness, thus, the key to unlocking the potential and impacting socio-economy and national security, is of course, good leadership.
He said leadership roles and functions should be people-oriented driven and of national interest and patriotism, which should be at the front burner at all times.
CSP Isuku urged PCRC members to imbibe the traits of a true leaders which is one who is able to motivate, mobilize and carry others along with him in achieving set goais or objectives. In other words, leadership amount to a colossal failure if it lacks the ability to persuade, convince, motivate and mobilize others towards a common course.. Neeadership is the voice, mouthpiece and watchward of the people, thus implying that leadership is exemplary.
He recommended that leadership traits, competence, experience, performance, accountability and integrity should appointments into leadership or governance. be fundamental criteria for endorsing and issues of conflict and security challenges should be identified and addressed without prejudice to ensure lasting peace.
Also the second lecturer, CSP. OKUWOBI OLABISI NATIONAL COORDINATOR POCACOV, on her topic, "Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other vices" revealed positive Emerging Leadership, which are Visionary. Inspires and motivates others with a clear vision, Empowering: Develops and delegates to team members, Innovative: Encourages creativity and experimentation, Inclusive. Fosters diversity, equity, and Inclusion, Authentic: Leads with transparency, Integrity, and vulnerability.
Other features of a positive leaders Collaborative: Builds strong relationships and partnerships, Adaptive: Navigates complex challenges with agility, Coaching: Develops others through guidance and support, Negative Emerging Leadership and Autocratic: Dictatorial and controlling. Here you will find cultism, banditry, extremism, kidnapping, all manners
The PCRC NATIONAL CHAIRMAN, ALH. IBRAHEEM OLANIYAN called for more support for peace in the society, to live in a very peaceful environment across this country. He said, that inclusion of women is a very big added advantage to the PCRC. "Our women and youths are playing a very vital and very big role and we appreciate them and this.
"Under my leadership, we are going to increase the tempo of the support. We are going to encourage our youth and women. We're going to work together, to support them because since we started supporting them, we're getting a lot of recognition. There has been understanding between the police and our youths, there's a lot of improvement. And our women, they are playing their own role as a mother as well. So the Nigeria police are getting more support from rhe Women and Youths." he said
Dignitaries that attended the lecture were the ALH. IBRAHEEM OLANIYAN PCRC NATIONAL CHAIRMAN, AMB. SADIQ WADA 40TH ANNIVERSARY LOC CHAIRMAN, CSP. VICTOR ISUKU DEPUTY FORCE PRO, CSP. OKUWOBI OLABISI NATIONAL COORDINATOR POCACOV, ENGR. JUNAID OLATUNJI VICTOR PCRC, NATIONAL YOUTH COORDINATOR, AND BARR. MAIMUNAT UMAR-SHERIFF PCRC, NATIONAL WOMEN COORDINATOR. Others are the state coordinators of PCRC nationwide, members of the the PCRC.
The PCRC is a community policing-based organisation established by the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force in 1984.
It seeks to foster partnership between the police and respective communities in the country, to enhance efficient and effective policing of communities in Nigeria.
