…Marks International Youth Day with Walkathon, Police-Youth Dialogue
The Oyo State Police Command is set to launch the National Campaign Against Political and Digital Thuggery as part of activities marking the 2026 International Youth Day.
The campaign is aimed at sanitizing young people against political violence and the misuse of digital platforms for incitement, harassment, cyberbullying, misinformation, disinformation and other harmful activities.
The Command disclosed this in a statement issued by its Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, on Thursday, as it joined the rest of the world to commemorate International Youth Day 2026.
The 2026 celebration is being held under the United Nations theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” which recognises the diverse experiences of young people while highlighting their common aspirations for peace, security, inclusion, opportunities and a better future.
According to the statement, the activities, organised in line with the vision and directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, are designed to strengthen Police-Youth relations, create awareness on security challenges affecting young people and encourage their active participation in building peaceful and safer communities.
The activities will commence on Friday, August 21, 2026, with a Police Walkathon involving officers and personnel of the Command.
The Walkathon, the Command said, is intended to create public awareness about International Youth Day and underscore the importance of stronger collaboration between the Police and young people in addressing security challenges and promoting peaceful communities.
The programme will culminate on Saturday, August 22, at 10:00 a.m. at the Usman Alkali Baba Conference Hall, Oyo State Police Command Headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan.
A major highlight of the programme will be the launch of the National Campaign Against Political and Digital Thuggery, followed by a Police-Youth Dialogue.
The dialogue is expected to provide an opportunity for constructive engagement between the Police and young people on security, responsible digital citizenship, crime prevention, peaceful participation in democratic processes and mutual trust.
The forum will also seek practical and collaborative solutions to emerging security challenges affecting youths and the wider society.
The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, called on youths, parents, traditional and community leaders, civil society organisations, security stakeholders and members of the public to support and participate in the activities.
CP Olugbenga noted that although young people come from different backgrounds and face varying circumstances, their shared aspirations for peace, security and prosperity provide a strong foundation for partnership between the Police and the youth.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to meaningful engagement with young people and urged youths to reject violence, political thuggery, digital abuse and other forms of criminality.
The Commissioner also encouraged young Nigerians to embrace responsible citizenship and play active roles as positive agents of change in their communities.
The Command urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information that could assist security agencies in preventing crime and maintaining peace across the state.
