The Oyo State Police Command is to launch a campaign against political and digital thuggery as part of activities marking International Youth Day 2026.

The campaign, which begins in Ibadan on Friday, will focus on political violence and the misuse of digital platforms for incitement, harassment, cyberbullying, misinformation and disinformation, according to the command.

The police will also hold a youth-police dialogue on Saturday to discuss security, responsible use of digital platforms, crime prevention and young people’s participation in democratic processes.

The command announced the plans in a statement signed by its spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, on Thursday.

Why the campaign matters

The initiative comes as Nigeria continues to deal with concerns over election-related violence and the use of social media to influence political opinion.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) identified issues including inter-party conflict, hate speech and other security threats as potential triggers of violence around the 2023 general election. Its review also said voter education efforts sought to discourage practices such as vote buying and thuggery.

Human Rights Watch, citing the Centre for Democracy and Development, reported that 109 election-related deaths were recorded in Nigeria in the build-up to the 2023 general elections. It also documented cases in which voters faced violence from people described as political thugs.

The online environment has created another challenge.

Freedom House reported that misinformation and disinformation were used by powerful political actors around the 2023 presidential election. At the same time, social media gave young Nigerians a platform to organise and participate in political campaigns.

That distinction matters. Digital platforms can increase young people’s political participation, but the same platforms can also be used to spread false information or target opponents.

What the Oyo police plan

The command said its programme will begin with a police walkathon on Friday, 21 August.

It said the walk is intended to raise awareness about International Youth Day and encourage stronger cooperation between young people and the police.

The main event will take place at 10:00am on Saturday at the Usman Alkali Baba Conference Hall at the Oyo State Police Command headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan.

The command said the launch of the National Campaign Against Political and Digital Thuggery will be followed by a Police-Youth Dialogue.

According to the police, the dialogue will provide an opportunity for young people and officers to discuss security concerns and develop practical approaches to emerging threats.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, urged young people, parents, traditional and community leaders, civil society organisations and other security stakeholders to participate.

He said:

“The Commissioner notes that while young people may come from different backgrounds and face different realities, their shared aspirations for peace, security and a prosperous future provide a strong foundation for partnership with the Police and other stakeholders.”

The command also said it wants young people to reject violence, political thuggery, digital abuse and other forms of criminality.

UN theme puts youth participation at the centre

International Youth Day is observed on 12 August each year. The 2026 theme is “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”

The United Nations says the theme recognises that young people live in different social and economic circumstances but share aspirations for dignity, opportunity, meaningful participation, decent work, education and a sustainable future.

The UN has also stressed the importance of treating young people as partners in decision-making rather than simply as recipients of government programmes.

That creates an important test for initiatives such as the Oyo police campaign: whether young people will have a meaningful role in shaping security responses, rather than simply being told what behaviour to avoid.

Digital rights and law enforcement

Nigeria already has laws dealing with cybercrime.

The Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act 2024 amended the country’s 2015 cybercrime law and provides the legal framework for addressing cybercrime and strengthening cyber-security institutions.

But the use of cybercrime laws to address online abuse also requires care.

Political expression, criticism of public officials and legitimate online campaigning are not the same as harassment, threats or criminal activity. Any enforcement campaign will therefore need to distinguish between unlawful conduct and protected civic participation.

This is particularly important because young Nigerians have used social media not only for political campaigning but also to organise and participate in public affairs.

What happens next?

The immediate next step is the walkathon on Friday, followed by the campaign launch and youth dialogue on Saturday.

The police have not stated how the campaign will be measured, how many young people it intends to reach or what specific activities will follow the launch.

Those details will matter in assessing whether the initiative produces a sustained change in political violence, online abuse and police-youth relations.

For residents seeking emergency assistance, the command listed the Oyo State Call Response Centre’s toll-free number as 615. Its control-room numbers are 08081768614 and 07055495413.

The broader question will be whether the campaign can turn a one-off youth engagement into sustained cooperation between young people, law-enforcement agencies and other institutions responsible for Nigeria’s democratic and digital environment.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has announced plans to recruit 1,000 young people into the state’s Forest Guard programme as part of efforts to strengthen security and expand employment opportunities.

The governor made the announcement during a meeting with members of the Ondo State Youth Parliament at the Cocoa Conference Hall in Akure on Tuesday, where he also pledged additional appointments for young people in his administration and expressed support for the completion of the state’s Youth Policy Document.

The recruitment drive comes amid growing concerns over security challenges in parts of the country and increasing calls for governments to create more opportunities for young people.

Who Can Apply?

According to Governor Aiyedatiwa, the recruitment is part of a Federal Government-backed initiative aimed at improving security around forest reserves and vulnerable communities.

He said applicants must be below 39 years old.

“Prospective recruits must be below 39 years of age,” the governor said, explaining that older candidates may find it difficult to cope with the physical demands of the training and operational requirements.

The governor also sought to reassure potential recruits and their families about safety concerns.

He said those employed would be adequately protected and would not be exposed to unnecessary risks while carrying out their duties.

Governor Aiyedatiwa noted that since the creation of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun, no operative had lost their life in active service.

While acknowledging that some personnel had suffered injuries in the line of duty, he said affected officers received quality medical treatment and support.

Security and Community Protection

The governor urged members of the Youth Parliament to recommend only responsible and trustworthy candidates for the recruitment exercise.

He warned that those recruited must not become threats to the communities they are expected to protect.

Addressing the youth lawmakers, Aiyedatiwa stressed the importance of community vigilance in tackling security challenges.

“Whenever you see something, say something,” he said.

Security experts have repeatedly highlighted the importance of local intelligence gathering and community participation in addressing crime and insecurity, particularly in rural and forested areas.

More Opportunities for Young People

Beyond the planned recruitment, the governor promised to appoint more young people into positions of responsibility within his administration.

The announcement is likely to be welcomed by youth groups that have consistently called for greater representation in governance and decision-making processes.

Aiyedatiwa also approved the provision of a utility bus for the Ondo State Youth Parliament to support its activities.

In addition, he pledged government support for the completion of the Youth Policy Document currently being developed by the parliament.

The governor further assured members that he would receive representatives of the national body of the Youth Parliament during a proposed visit to the state.

Youth Leaders Welcome Governor’s Support

The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Henry Omoyofunmi, praised the governor for what he described as a strong commitment to youth development.

He said the administration had created opportunities for young people through investments in human capital development and public-sector employment.

According to Omoyofunmi, individuals recruited through agencies such as the Hospitals Management Board and Primary Health Care services have already begun receiving appointment letters and resuming work.

He also assured the governor of continued support from youths across Ondo State’s 18 local government areas.

Deputy Speaker of the Ondo State Youth Parliament, Aliu Moshood Abiodun, described the governor as youth-friendly and pledged that members would continue promoting the administration’s achievements.

He appealed for support to complete the Youth Policy Document, describing it as critical to the parliament’s long-term objectives.

National Representative of the Youth Parliament from Ondo State, Blessing Ogunmolasuyi, also commended the governor for releasing funds that enabled delegates from the state to participate in activities of the Nigeria Youth Parliament in Abuja.

She said the funding improved Ondo State’s representation at the national level and strengthened the voice of young people from the state.

Why It Matters

Nigeria has one of the world’s youngest populations, with youth unemployment and underemployment remaining major concerns.

Analysts say programmes that combine job creation with community security initiatives can provide economic opportunities for young people while helping address local security challenges.

The proposed recruitment of 1,000 Forest Guards could therefore serve a dual purpose: boosting employment and strengthening grassroots security structures across Ondo State.

What Happens Next?

The Ondo State Government is expected to release further details on the recruitment process, eligibility requirements and application procedures in the coming weeks.

Youth groups will also be watching closely for progress on the governor’s promise to increase youth appointments and support the completion of the state’s Youth Policy Document.

Ondo State is set to host representatives from across Africa as the African Youth Development Parliament (AYDP) announces its decision to honour twelve distinguished Nigerians for their leadership, innovation, and impact.

The honourees include religious leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, and security officials who have significantly contributed to community growth, youth development, and peacebuilding in Nigeria.

The awards will be presented in Akure, with delegates from various African nations, led by Rt. Hon. Wealth Akerele, the AYDP Speaker and first Nigerian to occupy the position since the organisation’s establishment by the African Union (AU).

Why It Matters

The recognition, according to AYDP, aims to celebrate individuals driving social and economic progress within Africa’s youth and leadership space.

“This honour reflects the continent’s commitment to spotlighting exceptional Africans whose work strengthens community resilience and inspires young people,” said Rt. Hon. Wealth Akerele.

The Speaker described the awards as “a platform for connecting Africa’s emerging leaders with those already shaping positive narratives through business, faith, education, and security.”

Profiles of the Honourees

Among those to be recognised are:

Pastor Gbenga Akinbiyi, Founder and Senior Pastor of Promise Land Prophetic Ministries, for his spiritual leadership and humanitarian outreach.

Mr. Folayele Clement, CEO of Clem Gate, Clem Water, and Sola Fish, for entrepreneurship and job creation.

Mr. Ayokunle Olowokande Anigilaje, a business mogul, for contributions to regional trade and investment.

Hon. (Dr) Ayewamide Oluwafemi (Doxology), for excellence in resource management and human capacity development.

Hon. Aderemi Oyewole Guilder, Senior Special Assistant to the Ondo State Governor on Inter-Political Affairs, for political leadership.

Surveyor Kayode Oludare, property and land consultant, for innovations in land development.

Mr. Aribigbola Ajifowowe (Fowowe), entrepreneur, to be named Special Diplomat and Continental Ambassador, gaining eligibility for diplomatic privileges under AU recognition.

Dr (Mrs) Damilola Oshin, Founder of Mummy’s Place International School and Emplace College, for excellence in education and youth development.

CP Adebowale Lawal, Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, for outstanding leadership in security.

Commandant Oluyemi Ibiloye, NSCDC Ondo State Commandant, for safeguarding national assets.

Commander Nanzing Daniel Sallah, NDLEA Ondo Commander, for combating illicit drug trafficking and abuse.

The CEO of Ever Shine Travels, for excellence in travel, tourism, and international partnerships.

Industry and Public Reactions

Local youth groups and civic leaders have welcomed the recognition, describing it as a “motivation for ethical leadership and youth participation in governance.”

What’s Next

The official award ceremony will take place in Akure, the Ondo State capital, and will include cultural showcases, youth policy discussions, and inter-African networking sessions.

AYDP said the initiative aims to “bridge continental partnerships” by strengthening local leadership visibility within the AU framework.