From Joseph Adahnu, Yola
The Adamawa State Government and the Police Command, have charged youths in the state to shun political and digital thuggery, as well as other social vices, as part of activities to mark the 2026 International Youth Day.
The event was held at the Women Development Centre, Yola, with government officials, senior police officers, and Civil Society Organizations in attendance.
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, represented by his Senior Special Adviser on Security, Alh. Ahmed Lawan, commended the Nigeria Police Force, for engaging young people to help shape their future.
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He described youths and women as the backbone of national development and urged them not to allow themselves to be used by politicians for violence or criminal activities.
The governor pledged the state government’s support in the fight against crime and advocated for regular interactive platforms between the police and youth to identify and address the root causes of crime.
Declaring the event open on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Finance and Administration, DCP John Sendere, said the police are leading a national reorientation drive for Nigerian youth.
“The Nigeria’s greatest asset is its young people’s energy and resilience. Lasting security should be seen as a product of prevention, partnership and shared responsibility, not just law enforcement,” DCP Sendere said.
He announced the launch of a “Digital Responsibility Campaign”, themed “Think Before You Click, Verify Before You Share”, aimed at promoting responsible digital citizenship and curbing the spread of fake news and online harassment.
“Investing in youth leadership, civic education, and entrepreneurship will help checkmate social vices,” the IGP stated. “The National Youth Leadership and Security Initiative seeks to promote peace building and deepen collaboration between youth and institutions.”
The Commissioner of Police, Adamawa State Command, CP Kabir Umar Hassan, said the gathering was in line with the IGP’s directive to mark International Youth Day nationwide.
He emphasized the need to involve both youth and their mentors in the celebration to foster trust between the police and young people.
CP Hassan also announced upcoming sporting activities for youth, including women, to promote inclusivity.
“I suggest our theme for this year should be: ‘To Celebrate the Youth, For the Youth, By the Youth, and To the Youth’ so that it feels all-inclusive,” he said.
In his welcome address, DCP Sendere noted that the UN set aside the day to celebrate youth and chart new paths for their future, with a focus on dignity, opportunity and inclusion.
He cited Nigeria’s founding fathers like Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ahmadu Bello and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa who played key roles in the independence struggle at a young age.
Also speaking, Prof. Jude Momodu of Modibbo Adama University (MAU), Yola, urged active youth participation to counter violence and build a culture of peace. He suggested creating platforms such as a youth WhatsApp group to guide conduct and prevent political exploitation.
The President, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Adamawa Chapter, Comr. Ajine Delo, thanked the IGP and the CP for joining thousands of youths in Adamawa to celebrate the day.
The event featured goodwill messages, cultural displays, and a call for sustained mentorship and partnership between security agencies and young people.
