From Our Correspondents
In direct alignment with the strategic vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, who recently emphasized that no political ambition is worth the future or life of any youth; the Ogun State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police CP Bode Ojajuni, commemorated the 2026 International Youth Day by hosting a comprehensive, two-part youth development program in Abeokuta.
The dual event, which featured an early morning sensitization walkathon followed by an intensive interactive engagement session, formally launched the Command’s statewide campaign tagged “My Future is Better than Political and Digital Thuggery.”
The initiative serves as a localized execution of the Inspector-General’s national directives to protect democratic participation, secure communities, and urge young Nigerians to choose peace, innovation, and leadership over criminal manipulation, misinformation, and political violence.
Opening the day’s activities, the walkathon brought together officers and men of the Command alongside a robust coalition of inter-agency partners, youth organizations, and civil society groups including the NDLEA led by State Commander CN Tijjani Rabe, representative of the Ogun State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs. Adewuyi Omolabake Frances with corps members, the Nigerian Army, NSCDC, Amotekun Corps, and the Ogun State Fire Service. Also joining the march were the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) led by Acting State Chairperson Mrs. Bolanle Adeoye, the PCRC Youth Wing, Girl Guides Association, Nigeria Youth Parliament, National Youth Council of Nigeria, National Association of Nigerian Students, and the Freelance and Independent Broadcasters’ Association of Nigeria.
Addressing the gathering, CP Bode Ojajuni reiterated that young people must refuse to be leveraged as instruments for digital harassment or political violence, affirming the Command’s commitment to building a safe environment where youth can thrive.
Transitioning to the second phase of the celebration, the Command convened a high-level youth engagement session at the Police Officers’ Mess, Ibara Housing Estate, Abeokuta, organized in collaboration with the Nigerian Youth Parliament under the global theme “Youth Empowerment for a Sustainable Future.”
Delivering the Commissioner of Police’s opening address on his behalf, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Adeoye Olugbemiga, welcomed the youth delegates and distinguished guests. He emphasized that security is a shared responsibility across all sectors of society and challenged the young participants to reject cultism, cybercrime, substance abuse, and political thuggery in favor of education, entrepreneurship, technology, and legitimate skills.
Adding intellectual depth to the event, legal practitioner and youth advocate Dr. Kayode Akinsola, Esq., delivered a stirring keynote address emphasizing that true empowerment extends far beyond temporary financial support to encompass capacity building, digital literacy, structured mentorship, and inclusion in decision-making processes. He noted that while youth possess unprecedented potential, passion without discipline can become destructive, urging the audience to shift from scrolling to creating, from complaining to contributing, and from political thuggery to purposeful leadership. He reminded the young citizens that while background influences one’s beginning, personal integrity, continuous learning, and responsible action ultimately determine one’s destination.
The event climaxed with an interactive panel session featuring DCP Adeoye Olugbemiga, Lt. Col. P. L. Ebaji, representing the 35 Artillery Brigade, UN Award winner, Amb. Habeeb Whyte, and the Convener of the Skillup Summit, Mrs. Queen Joy Adeola Oluyege. The panelists collectively reinforced that security requires proactive civic participation, idleness must be replaced with productive engagement, and youth who advance must create support systems to lift others. Drawing powerful analogies on personal resilience, the discussion established that young people can transcend challenging environments by making disciplined choices and taking ownership of their personal growth.
The Ogun State Police Command re-affirms its commitment to strengthening community policing through school outreach, mentorship initiatives, and digital literacy campaigns, while calling on parents, educators, and community leaders to continuously guide young citizens toward constructiveAlso in Enugu State, the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has officially launched the Police Campaign Against Political and Digital Thuggery during a Police–Youth Dialogue in Enugu.
The event formed part of the Nigeria Police Force International Youth Day 2026 celebration and was held at the Senior Police Officers’ Mess, Agbani Road, Enugu. It was organised under the NPF National Youth Leadership and Security Initiative, with the themes “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations” and “My Future Is Greater Than Political Thuggery.”
During the interactive session, the CP responded to questions from youths and students on the role of young people during elections, police actions and responsibilities during electoral processes, electoral offences committed by political actors
The Police Commissioner stressed that young Nigerians have a critical role to play in strengthening democracy and security, urging them to channel their energy and influence towards constructive civic participation, innovation and leadership rather than political or digital thuggery. He also reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to professional, impartial and accountable policing, while encouraging sustained engagement and partnership between the Police and young people.
The participating youth and student groups, including leaders of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Nigeria Youth Congress (NYC), Nsukka Youth Assembly, Igbo Youth Movement and National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), expressed their readiness to work with the Police and pledged to shun political and digital thuggery. The event was also attended by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth and Students Affairs, Hon. Prisca Okeke; Head, Department of Public Administration, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Prof. Ezeodili Walter Obi; representatives of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Obra Foundation/Obra Legal, Presidents-General of communities, as well as other youths and officers and men of the Command.
Spokesman for the Command SP Daniel Ndukwe confirmed the story. nation-building.
Spokesman for the Command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi confirmed the story.
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In Enugu State, the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has officially launched the Police Campaign Against Political and Digital Thuggery during a Police–Youth Dialogue in Enugu.
The event formed part of the Nigeria Police Force International Youth Day 2026 celebration and was held at the Senior Police Officers’ Mess, Agbani Road, Enugu. It was organised under the NPF National Youth Leadership and Security Initiative, with the themes “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations” and “My Future Is Greater Than Political Thuggery.”
During the interactive session, the CP responded to questions from youths and students on the role of young people during elections, police actions and responsibilities during electoral processes, electoral offences committed by political actors
The police Commissioner stressed that young Nigerians have a critical role to play in strengthening democracy and security, urging them to channel their energy and influence towards constructive civic participation, innovation and leadership rather than political or digital thuggery. He also reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to professional, impartial and accountable policing, while encouraging sustained engagement and partnership between the Police and young people.
The participating youth and student groups, including leaders of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Nigeria Youth Congress (NYC), Nsukka Youth Assembly, Igbo Youth Movement and National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), expressed their readiness to work with the Police and pledged to shun political and digital thuggery. The event was also attended by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth and Students Affairs, Hon. Prisca Okeke; Head, Department of Public Administration, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Prof. Ezeodili Walter Obi; representatives of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Obra Foundation/Obra Legal, Presidents-General of communities, as well as other youths and officers and men of the Command.
Spokesman for the Command SP Daniel Ndukwe confirmed the story.
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Also in Delta State, the Police Command, yesterday 22nd August 2026, held the grand finale of activities marking the Nigeria Police Force International Youth Day 2026 Commemoration under the National Youth Leadership and Security Initiative, themed “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.” The programme, held at the Police Officers’ Mess, Delta State Police Headquarters, Okpanam Road, Asaba, also featured the national campaign against political and digital thuggery, “My Future Is Greater Than Political and Digital Thuggery.”
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi cautioned youths against being recruited or exploited for political violence, particularly during the electioneering period, stressing that political thuggery destroys lives and jeopardises their future. He urged them to embrace education, use technology responsibly and channel their talents towards productive endeavours and meaningful contributions to society. The CP also charged parents and guardians to serve as positive role models and provide the guidance required to raise responsible young citizens.
The event, attended by delegates of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Delta State Chapter, students, youths, and officers of the command, featured remarks by the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Development, Barr. Brave Enodeh, and the Delta State Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Comrade Sagboje Odiri Milton, CLN, who emphasised youth development, responsible citizenship and constructive participation in society. DCN Omobhude Silas of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) delivered a presentation on “Substance Abuse and Youth Vulnerability,” while Comrade Atsuwefe Olusegun Toritseju, Social Secretary, NYCN, addressed participants on youth leadership and civic responsibility.
An interactive panel session featured stakeholders, including Engr. Miracle Arimobi, Special Assistant to the Governor on Female Youth Development, and Amb. Onyedikachi Michael Odogwu, Special Assistant on Youth Development, further engaged participants on youth development and responsible citizenship.
Spokesman for the Command SP Bright Edafe confirmed the story.
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