UYO
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has marked the 2026 International Youth Day with a charge to youths to shun crime and political violence capable of ruining their future.
The Commissioner of Police, CC Baba Azare gave the advice at the celebration held at the Nigeria Police Force(NPF) Headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo, Friday.
Referencing on the theme of the celebration: “ Different Contexts: Common Aspiration, “ Azare remarked that although youths come from different backgrounds and circumstances, they share common aspirations for education, employment, security, justice, equal opportunity and a better future.
He reminded youths of the need to protect public infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, street lights, electricity installations , communicate infrastructure, water facilities other public assets , adding that vandalism was an attack on communities and the future of all.
“ Therefore, I urge you to reject vandalism in all forms,do not provide cover for those who do it. More importantly, I encourage every responsible young person to be a protector of public assets ,” the Commissioner implored.
The Police Commissioner who relied on the national campaign tagged; “My future is Greater Than Political Thuggery,” stressed that no ambition is worth the life or future of any Nigerian youth and therefore, advised youths to desist from being persuaded by any politician to carry a weapon to attack an opponent, destroy property, disrupt elections or engage in violence before, during or after elections.
“Your future is greater than political thuggery. Your talent is greater than cyber crime.Your voice is stronger than misinformation. You are too valuable to become an instrument of violence.
“Modern policing cannot succeed through Police alone, , it is a collective responsibility and young people are critical stakeholders.
“Youths are often the first to know when strange activities occur within communities, you understand your neighbourhood and you increasingly dominate the digital space, while information would move fast,” he advised.
He implored youths in the state to work with the Police and other security agencies to provide credible information, reject cultism , kidnapping,drug abuse,cyber crime and act of violence.
Azare also warned youths to discourage their friends from criminal activities and resist the attempt to be involved in criminality.
He maintained that the Command under him, was committed to strengthening the Police Community Relations Committee( PCRC) ,and the creation of an atmosphere where young Nigerians can engage in the protection of lives and property.
He called on youth leaders and village youth presidents to see themselves as important partners in the process of maintaining peace and ensuring a crime-free society.
The Police Commissioner who dwelled on digital responsibility with the mantra; “ Think Before you Click, Verify before you Share,” warned youths to guard against misinformation, cyber bullying and defamatory content
The CP commended Governor Uno Eno for integrating youth presidents and youth leadership structure into the security architecture of Akwa Ibom, describing it as a significant and forward looking step toward strengthening community participation in security and constituting a major support for the protection of the state because youth leaders were closer to the grassroots and they understand their communities and know the people.
“Bringing them into the security framework, enhance the strengthening of intelligence gatherings , early warning, community engagement and crime prevention.
“Sincerely, I thank the Governor for the initiative and his continued support to the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement agencies in the state,” he noted.
The senior special assistant to the Governor on Youth Mobilization,Mr Joe William, said the event was timely as 2027 General Elections draw near, in which youths needed to be sensitized against political violence as well as the protection of public infrastructure against vandalism.
Also speaking,the state president , village youths in Akwa Ibom, Comrade Itai Abraham, eulogized the Police Command for choosing to enlightenment youths and promised that the leadership would do its utmost best to ensure that the messages get to all communities in the state.
Highlight of the celebration was the launching of “One to Tell Ten,” youth engagement programme ,aimed at disseminating positive security messages to ten youths who would also spread the message for multiplier effect.
Goodwill messages were received from the National Youth Council of Nigeria ( NYCN), Police Officers Wife Association (POWA) and Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC),among others.