Odita Sunday 
Ogun Police Launches Campaign Against Youth Political, Digital Thuggery
By Odita Sunday
The Ogun State Police Command has launched a statewide campaign aimed at discouraging young people from being used for political violence, digital harassment and other forms of criminality, urging them to embrace education, innovation, entrepreneurship and purposeful leadership.
In a statement signed by ASP Oluborode Opeyemi, Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Police Command, Eleweran, Abeokuta, and dated August 21, 2026, the campaign, tagged **“My Future is Better than Political and Digital Thuggery,”** was launched in Abeokuta as the Command commemorated the 2026 International Youth Day with a sensitisation walkathon and a high-level youth engagement session.
The initiative, according to the Command, is in direct alignment with the strategic vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, who recently emphasised that no political ambition is worth the future or life of any youth.
The programme was led by the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, psc, FCSS, MNIPR, and brought together security agencies, youth organisations and civil society groups to promote peaceful democratic participation, community safety and responsible citizenship.
The first phase featured an early morning sensitisation walkathon involving officers and men of the Command alongside representatives of partner agencies, youth organisations and civil society groups.
Those who participated included the NDLEA, led by State Commander CN Tijjani Rabe; a representative of the Ogun State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs. Adewuyi Omolabake Frances, alongside corps members; the Nigerian Army; NSCDC; Amotekun Corps; and the Ogun State Fire Service.
Also joining the exercise 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 participants, CP Bode Ojajuni urged young people to resist attempts to use them as instruments of digital harassment or political violence.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to creating a safe environment where young people could develop their potential and contribute positively to society.
The second phase of the programme took place at the Police Officers’ Mess, Ibara Housing Estate, Abeokuta, where the Command, in collaboration with the Nigerian Youth Parliament, hosted a high-level youth engagement session under the global theme, **“Youth Empowerment for a Sustainable Future.”**
Delivering the opening address on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Adeoye Olugbemiga, welcomed the youth delegates and distinguished guests.
DCP Adeoye Olugbemiga emphasised that security was a shared responsibility across all sectors of society and challenged the participants to reject cultism, cybercrime, substance abuse and political thuggery in favour of education, entrepreneurship, technology and legitimate skills.
In his keynote address, legal practitioner and youth advocate, Dr. Kayode Akinsola, Esq., said genuine youth empowerment went beyond temporary financial support to include capacity building, digital literacy, structured mentorship and inclusion in decision-making processes.
Dr. Kayode Akinsola, Esq., noted that although young people possessed enormous potential, passion without discipline could become destructive.
He urged the youths to move from scrolling to creating, from complaining to contributing, and from political thuggery to purposeful leadership.
He further reminded the participants that while background could influence a person’s beginning, integrity, continuous learning and responsible action ultimately helped determine their destination.
The programme 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 the Convener of the Skillup Summit, Mrs. Queen Joy Adeola Oluyege.
The panellists stressed the importance of proactive civic participation, productive engagement and personal responsibility in building safer and more prosperous communities.
They also encouraged young people who advance in life to create support systems that could help others overcome difficult circumstances, while urging youths to take ownership of their personal growth and make disciplined choices.
The programme concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, during which participants raised concerns on civic space, law enforcement relations and personal development.
The panellists responded to the questions, offering practical guidance on navigating complex situations and explaining channels through which young citizens could safely partner with security agencies and institutional leaders.
The Ogun State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening community policing through school outreach, mentorship initiatives and digital literacy campaigns.
The Command also called on parents, educators and community leaders to continuously guide young citizens towards constructive engagement and nation-building.
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