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From Joe Obukata Ogbodu, Warri
The Delta State Police Command has warned youths to shun what it termed political and digital thuggery, ahead of the 2027 general election.
The admonition was given to youth groups at a programmme packaged to strengthen police-youth engagement and encourage young people to contribute positively to peace, security and community development.
It was also designed to provide a platform for meaningful interaction with youths on responsible citizenship, peaceful participation, digital responsibility and crime prevention.
Recently, youth violence has characterized political events in the state. Worried by the spate of prevalent violence, the police decided to commemorate the 2026 International Youth Day with a lecture series christened “My future is greater than political & digital thuggery, drug abuse and cultism.”
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Police Command, Yemi Oyeniyi, urged youths to reject political thuggery, violence, cultism, cybercrime, hate speech and other activities capable of jeopardizing their future, and instead channel their energy and talents towards education, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive pursuits.
Oyeniyi, who was accompanied by senior officers of the command, engaged youths, commercial transport operators and other members of the public on the dangers of crime, violence, political thuggery and the misuse of digital platforms.
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He charged youths to resist criminal and political exploitation, embrace responsible citizenship and channel their energies towards productive endeavours, stressing that their future should not be sacrificed for criminal or political interests.
The event brought together police personnel, wives of police officers, youths, children and other participants to promote responsible citizenship, peaceful youth participation and collective action against political and digital thuggery.
In his remarks at the grand finale held at the Police Officers’ Mess, Delta State Police Headquarters, CP Oyeniyi cautioned youths against being recruited or exploited for political violence, particularly during electioneering period, stressing that political thuggery destroys lives and jeopardizes their future.
He urged them to embrace education, use technology responsibly and channel their talents towards productive endeavours and meaningful contributions to society.
The CP also charged parents and guardians to serve as positive role models and provide the guidance required to raise responsible young citizens.
The event, attended by delegates of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Delta State Chapter, students, youths and officers of the command, featured remarks by the Commissioner for Youth and Development, Brave Enodeh, and the Delta State chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Comrade Sagboje Odiri Milton, who emphasised youth development, responsible citizenship and constructive participation in society.
DCN Omobhude Silas of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) delivered a presentation on “Substance Abuse and Youth Vulnerability,” while Comrade Atsuwefe Olusegun Toritseju, social secretary, NYCN, addressed participants on youth leadership and civic responsibility.
An interactive panel session featuring stakeholders, including Engr. Miracle Arimobi, Special Assistant to the Governor on Female Youth Development, and Amb. Onyedikachi Michael Odogwu, Special Assistant on Youth Development, further engaged participants on youth development and responsible citizenship.
