The Ogun State Police Command has commemorated the 2026 International Youth Day with a statewide campaign aimed at discouraging political and digital thuggery while encouraging young people to embrace peace, innovation, entrepreneurship and responsible leadership.
The programme, held in Abeokuta, featured an early morning sensitisation walkathon and a high-level interactive youth engagement session, formally launching the Command’s campaign tagged, “My Future is Better than Political and Digital Thuggery.”
The initiative aligns with the strategic vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, who recently emphasised that no political ambition is worth the future or life of any youth.
The campaign is also designed to support the IGP’s directives on protecting democratic participation, securing communities and encouraging young Nigerians to reject criminal manipulation, misinformation and political violence.
The walkathon brought together officers and men of the Command, alongside representatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps and Ogun State Fire Service.
Other participants included the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), 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 participants, the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, urged young people to reject attempts to use them as instruments of digital harassment and political violence, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to creating an environment where young people can thrive.
The second phase of the programme was held at the Police Officers’ Mess, Ibara Housing Estate, Abeokuta, in collaboration with the Nigerian Youth Parliament, under the global theme, “Youth Empowerment for a Sustainable Future.”
Representing the Commissioner of Police, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Adeoye Olugbemiga, urged the participants to reject cultism, cybercrime, substance abuse and political thuggery in favour of education, entrepreneurship, technology and legitimate skills.
He also emphasised that security was a shared responsibility and encouraged young people to become active participants in building safer communities.
Delivering the keynote address, legal practitioner and youth advocate, Dr. Kayode Akinsola, said meaningful youth empowerment goes beyond temporary financial support to include capacity building, digital literacy, mentorship and participation in decision-making.
Akinsola urged young people to channel their energy into productive activities and purposeful leadership, stressing the importance of discipline, continuous learning, integrity and responsible action in determining their future.
The event also featured an interactive panel session involving DCP Adeoye Olugbemiga, Lt. Col. P. L. Ebaji, representing the 35 Artillery Brigade, UN Award winner Amb. Habeeb Whyte, and Convener of the Skillup Summit, Mrs. Queen Joy Adeola Oluyege.
The panelists emphasised proactive civic participation, productive engagement and personal responsibility, while encouraging young people who succeed to create opportunities for others.
The programme concluded with a question-and-answer session during which participants raised concerns on civic space, law enforcement relations and personal development, with the panelists providing guidance on engaging security agencies and other institutions.
The Ogun State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening community policing through school outreach, mentorship initiatives and digital literacy campaigns, while urging parents, educators and community leaders to guide young people towards constructive nation-building.