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El-Ameen Ibrahim
The Nigeria Police Force has enlisted the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Flutterwave, Mr Olugbenga Agboola, as its National Youth Ambassador in a fresh initiative aimed at strengthening youth participation in peacebuilding, cybersecurity awareness and responsible citizenship.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, conferred the appointment on Agboola on Monday at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, under the Nigeria Police Force’s International Youth Day 2026 – National Youth Security, Peacebuilding and Empowerment Initiative.
The initiative places technology, entrepreneurship and positive youth leadership at the centre of the police’s broader effort to engage young Nigerians in preventing crime and promoting safer communities.
According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the appointment was in recognition of Agboola’s record as a technology entrepreneur and his role in developing Flutterwave as a major African financial technology company.
The statement said the recognition also reflected his contributions to innovation, financial inclusion, entrepreneurship and responsible enterprise.
Rather than relying solely on conventional policing approaches, the initiative is designed to use influential youth leaders and credible role models to promote peacebuilding, cybersecurity awareness, entrepreneurship and constructive civic participation.
It also seeks to encourage young Nigerians to shun cybercrime and other harmful social practices by directing their energy towards education, innovation, legitimate enterprise and other productive opportunities.
For the police authorities, the strategy represents an attempt to make young people active participants in the security process rather than treating them only as beneficiaries of policing services.
The IGP said the appointment underscored the Force’s determination to engage the youth as partners in creating safer communities and promoting responsible citizenship.
Disu also drew attention to the growing importance of technology in contemporary policing, particularly the need to improve the technological capabilities of younger police officers.
He stressed the importance of equipping officers with knowledge of emerging technologies and their practical application to modern law enforcement.
According to him, stronger expertise in digital tools and cyber-related investigative techniques would improve the ability of the police to investigate cybercrime, trace digital evidence and respond to criminal activities facilitated by technology.
The development is coming against the backdrop of the expanding role of digital platforms in Nigeria’s social and economic life, making cybersecurity awareness and digital investigation increasingly important components of modern policing.
The IGP therefore charged the new ambassador to deploy his influence and experience to inspire young Nigerians to pursue legitimate opportunities, uphold integrity and embrace responsible innovation.
He further urged Agboola to use the platform to encourage young people to contribute positively to national development.
Responding, Agboola thanked the IGP for the confidence placed in him and pledged his support for the objectives of the initiative.
He identified youth empowerment, cybersecurity awareness, entrepreneurship and peaceful civic engagement as key areas in which he would support the programme.
The meeting also brought together members of the Flutterwave delegation, including Dr Stanley Uzochukwu, CEO/Chairman, Stanel Group Ltd; Hajia Risikatu Ahmed, Managing Director, Flutterwave Services Ltd; Olufunmilayo Olaniyi, Senior Vice President/Head, Public Sector; Morounke Olufemi, Group Chief Financial Officer; Hadiza Nwide, Vice President, Business Development; Chizoba Okafor, Managing Director, MFB Flutterwave; Rachael E. Oke, Diaspora, UK Lead; Omobolade Oshiokameh, Chief of Staff – Nigeria; and Asuquo Betseabasi Eyo, Legal Assistant to the CEO, Stanel.
The police said the partnership formed part of its continuing efforts to build strategic relationships around youth development, technological innovation and cybersecurity.
The Force maintained that engaging young Nigerians constructively remained central to the broader objective of building safer communities and promoting their participation in national development.
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