Security experts have advocated for community policing as an effective strategy to address the challenges of insecurity and multidimensional threats to lives and property at the grassroots level.

This recommendation was made during a security training organised by Global Eagle Eye Security Consult Limited in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for local government stakeholders, themed: ‘Youth Empowerment and Security for Community Development’ at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat, urged participants to maximise the benefits of the training, emphasising that the initiative aligned with the security agenda of the Prince Dapo Abiodun administration, which aimed to ensure effective grassroots governance and sustainable community development.

Hamzat, highlighted that local government remained the closest tier of government to the people, underscoring its responsibilities, while urging its officials to engage the youth constructively and promote community development.

"By equipping youths with relevant skills, providing opportunities for entrepreneurship and involving them in community decision-making, we can reduce social vices and strengthen the foundation for lasting peace and economic growth," he stated.

Chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) Ogun State Chapter, Dr. Folashade Adeyemo, emphasised that the security of life and property is a collective responsibility, transcending status, career and ideology.

Also, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Babatunde Gazal, expressed gratitude to the Ministry and participants for their engagement, noting that the timeliness of such training was apt, particularly in the current climate of insecurity in communities.

Addressing the participants, the facilitators, that included the duo of Mr. Omotosho Olubayo and Mr. Oladipo Adewole effectively  addressed the training's theme by emphasising the importance of individual vigilance, community cooperation, information sharing with security operatives and communal policing as essential components of comprehensive grassroots security.