The Delta State Police Command has announced a three-day programme to mark the 2026 International Youth Day, with a campaign aimed at discouraging political and digital thuggery among young people.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe on Thursday.
According to Edafe, the programme, organised in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, will run from Thursday, August 20, to Saturday, August 22, across selected venues in Asaba.
The command said the activities were designed to strengthen engagement between the police and young people while encouraging youths to play constructive roles in promoting peace, security and community development.
The programme is being held under the theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”
The first activity, scheduled for Thursday, will be the official launch of the National Campaign Against Political and Digital Thuggery at Coka Park, Asaba, at 2pm.
The command said the campaign would draw attention to the dangers of political violence, online abuse and other forms of criminality capable of undermining the future of young Nigerians.
The second day, Friday, August 21, will feature a youth sensitisation walkathon, which will begin at 7am from the Police Headquarters on Okpanam Road, Asaba.
The programme will conclude on Saturday with a Police-Youth Dialogue, panel discussion and special lecture at the Officers’ Mess, Police Headquarters, Okpanam Road, Asaba, beginning at 10am.
According to the command, the activities will provide opportunities for young people to engage directly with security personnel and other stakeholders on responsible citizenship, peaceful political participation, digital responsibility and crime prevention.
Lectures and discussions will also focus on issues including drug abuse, cultism and the dangers of political and digital thuggery.
The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, Yemi Oyeniyi, urged youths to reject activities capable of undermining their safety, freedom and future.
Oyeniyi specifically warned against political thuggery, violence, cultism, cybercrime and hate speech, urging young people to channel their energy into productive activities.
The commissioner said, “My future is greater than political and digital thuggery,” stressing the need for youths to make choices that would enhance rather than jeopardise their prospects.
He encouraged young people to pursue education, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other legitimate avenues capable of developing their talents and contributing to society.
The command also called on residents, particularly young people, to participate actively in the activities and support the campaign against criminality and violence.
Edafe said the programme formed part of the command’s efforts to deepen police-youth relations and promote a safer environment for young people.
The command said the International Youth Day activities would also reinforce the message that young people, regardless of their different social backgrounds and circumstances, share common aspirations for a peaceful and prosperous future.
