IYD 2026: Osun Police Urge Youth to Shun Political, Digital Thuggery

THE Osun State Police Command has urged Nigerian youth to reject political violence, electoral thuggery and digital manipulation, saying their future is more valuable than any temporary gain.

The call was made on Saturday, August 22, 2026, during a stakeholders’ engagement at the Officers Mess, Oke-Fia, Osogbo, to commemorate the 2026 International Youth Day. The event also marked the launch of the Command’s campaign tagged “My Future is Greater Than Political and Digital Thuggery.”

Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, the Area Commander, Police Headquarters, Osogbo said the initiative was part of the Inspector-General of Police’s National Youth Leadership and Security Initiative. He explained that the campaign is built on five pillars: leadership, security, innovation and enterprise, responsible citizenship, and digital responsibility.

“We will no longer allow political violence, electoral thuggery, digital manipulation, or the exploitation of our youth to steal your tomorrow,” he said. “Your future is greater than any temporary payment for political violence. Your future is greater than any keyboard used to spread lies or destroy reputations.”

Also speaking, the Area Commander, Temitope, stressed the importance of education.
“Three things matter in the life of a youth. They are: One, education; two, education; and three, education. When the youths are educated and enlightened, no one will be able to manipulate them,” he said.

The Police assured youths of continued partnership and charged participants to prove the campaign message through their actions, in line with this year’s UN theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”