The Ogun State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police CP Bode Ojajuni, PSC, FCSS, MNIPR, on Sunday commemorated the 2026 International Youth Day with a two-part programme combining a statewide sensitisation walkathon and a high-level youth engagement session in Abeokuta.
The event formally launched the Command’s campaign themed “My Future is Better than Political and Digital Thuggery,” described by police officials as a direct response to the recent charge by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, who had warned that “no political ambition is worth the future or life of any youth.”
The day began with an early morning walkathon that brought together police officers and a broad coalition of security and civic stakeholders. Participating organisations included the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), led by State Commander CN Tijjani Rabe; the Nigerian Army; the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC); the Amotekun Corps; and the Ogun State Fire Service.
Also on the march were the Ogun State NYSC contingent, represented by the State Coordinator’s representative, Mrs Adewuyi Omolabake Frances, alongside corps members; the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), led by Acting State Chairperson Mrs Bolanle Adeoye; the PCRC Youth Wing; the Girl Guides Association; the Nigeria Youth Parliament; the National Youth Council of Nigeria; the National Association of Nigerian Students; and the Freelance and Independent Broadcasters’ Association of Nigeria.
Addressing participants after the walk, CP Bode Ojajuni said: “Our young people must refuse to be used as tools for digital harassment or political violence. This Command is committed to building a safe environment where our youths can thrive, free from manipulation and exploitation.”
The programme’s second phase was a high-level engagement session held at the Police Officers’ Mess, Ibara Housing Estate, Abeokuta, organised in partnership with the Nigerian Youth Parliament around the global theme “Youth Empowerment for a Sustainable Future.”
Delivering the Commissioner’s opening address on his behalf, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) DCP Adeoye Olugbemiga told the gathering:
“Security is a shared responsibility across every sector of our society. I challenge you, our young people, to reject cultism, cybercrime, substance abuse, and political thuggery, and instead embrace education, entrepreneurship, technology, and legitimate skills that will secure your future.”
Legal practitioner and youth advocate Dr. Kayode Akinsola, Esq., delivered the keynote address, urging young Nigerians to look beyond short-term financial gain. He said:
“True empowerment goes far beyond temporary financial support. It means capacity building, digital literacy, structured mentorship, and inclusion in decision-making. Passion without discipline can become destructive; we must shift from scrolling to creating, from complaining to contributing, and from political thuggery to purposeful leadership.”
He added: “Your background may determine your beginning, but it is your integrity, your continuous learning, and your responsible action that will determine your destination.”
The event was attended by delegates from youth organisations, civil society groups, and government agencies across the state, with police officials describing the programme as part of a broader statewide campaign to steer young people away from political and cyber-related criminality ahead of future election cycles.
