The Executive Secretary/CEO of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, has congratulated his Media Aide and security journalist, Mayor Oki O. Samson, on his recognition as a Police-Youth Advocate by the Lagos State Police Command.
Samson, who is also President of the National Association of Online Security News Publishers, NAOSNP, received the recognition on Thursday, August 27, 2026, during the Lagos Police Command’s commemoration of International Youth Day at the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) Secretariat, Lagos.
Ogunsan commended Samson for using his professional experience and media platforms to promote responsible security reporting, youth development and constructive engagement between security agencies and the public.
He described the recognition as a fitting acknowledgement of Samson’s contribution to public safety and social development, while also commending his contributions to the work of the LSSTF.
“This recognition is well deserved because Oki has consistently demonstrated that the media can do much more than report security challenges; it can help build understanding, trust and stronger relationships between security institutions and the communities they serve,” Ogunsan said.
He urged Samson to regard the honour as a call to greater responsibility, particularly given the growing influence of young Nigerians on digital platforms.
“As you receive this honour, I urge you to remain committed to the values that brought you this far. Continue to use your voice to educate, inspire and encourage our young people to choose peace, responsible citizenship and a better future,” Ogunsan added.
The recognition came during a Police programme focused on strengthening engagement with young Nigerians amid concerns over political thuggery, digital misinformation, cultism and other security challenges affecting the youth.
The programme featured the launch of the National Campaign Against Political and Digital Thuggery and a Police-Youth Dialogue involving security agencies, youth organisations, the media, transport unions and community groups.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, warned youths against allowing politicians to exploit them for electoral violence as the country approaches another election cycle.
Fatai urged young Nigerians to reject ballot-box snatching, intimidation, destruction of property and other forms of political violence, stressing that political participation should be exercised responsibly.
“None of these politicians will use any of their children for electioneering, thuggery, violence or what have you,” the commissioner said.
He also urged youths to exercise caution in the use of social media, warning against sharing or reacting to provocative content that could fuel insecurity.
In his goodwill message, Commander, 9 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ayokunle Owolabi, described the campaign as timely and commended the Police for engaging young people on security issues.
Owolabi said the energy and creativity of young Nigerians were important to the country’s peace, security and development, stressing that national security required a whole-of-society approach.
He also warned against the use of digital platforms and physical spaces to promote violence, intimidation and misinformation, while calling for stronger trust and communication between young people and security institutions.
The event was attended by representatives of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, NDLEA, FRSC and NSCDC, as well as officials and representatives of NYSC, POCACOV, PCRC, NYCN, NANS, NURTW, RTEAN, CRAN, NAOSNP, POWA and youths from police barracks across Lagos.