Jane Salihu
The Nigeria Police Force has intensified its push for technology-driven policing, with Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, appointing the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Flutterwave, Olugbenga Agboola, OON, as the Force’s National Youth Ambassador.
The appointment, according to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, was conferred on Monday, September 7, 2026, when Agboola visited the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Iniedu said the appointment was made under the International Youth Day 2026 National Youth Security, Peacebuilding and Empowerment Initiative, aimed at using credible young leaders and role models to promote peacebuilding, cybersecurity awareness, entrepreneurship and responsible citizenship among Nigerian youths.
The development comes as the Police leadership places greater emphasis on technology and digital skills as critical tools in tackling emerging forms of crime, particularly cybercrime and other technology-enabled offences.
Disu, according to the statement, stressed the need for the Nigeria Police Force to strengthen the technological capacity of its young officers, especially in understanding emerging technologies and applying digital tools to modern policing.
The IGP noted that enhanced expertise in cyber-related investigative techniques would improve the capacity of police officers to investigate cybercrime, trace digital evidence and respond more effectively to crimes facilitated by technology.
The appointment of Agboola, a prominent technology entrepreneur, is therefore expected to provide a platform for stronger engagement between the Police Force, the technology sector and Nigerian youths in promoting legitimate digital opportunities.
The IGP said the initiative was designed to encourage young Nigerians to reject cybercrime and other social vices by exposing them to positive alternatives through education, innovation, entrepreneurship and lawful enterprise.
He charged the new National Youth Ambassador to deploy his influence and experience to inspire young Nigerians to embrace integrity, responsible innovation and constructive civic participation.
Responding, Agboola thanked the IGP for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to support the objectives of the initiative, particularly in the areas of youth empowerment, cybersecurity awareness, entrepreneurship and peaceful civic engagement.
The Police spokesperson said the appointment recognises Agboola’s achievements in technology entrepreneurship and his role in building Flutterwave into a leading African financial technology company, with contributions to innovation, financial inclusion and entrepreneurship.
The Flutterwave delegation at the meeting included 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 Force Public Relations Officer said the Nigeria Police Force would continue to strengthen strategic partnerships capable of advancing youth empowerment, technological innovation and cybersecurity, while positioning young Nigerians as active partners in building safer communities.
