By Ebinum Samuel
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.”
According to ASP Oluborode Opeyemi, the Command deputy spokesman, 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.
He said 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.
To deepen impact, the session concluded with an engaging and dynamic question and answer segment, providing a direct floor for the enthusiastic youth audience to raise pressing concerns regarding civic space, law enforcement relations, and personal development. The distinguished panelists warmly indulged the young participants, addressing complex queries, offering practical guidance on navigating grey areas, and clarifying structural channels through which young citizens can safely partner with security agencies and institutional leaders.
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 constructive nation-building.
