WELCOME ADDRESS BY THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, KOGI STATE COMMAND, CP NAZIRU BELLO KANKAROFI, PSC, MNI, AT THE COMMEMORATION OF INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY 2026
Theme: “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations”
Campaign Theme: “My Future Is Greater Than Political and Digital Thuggery”
The Special Guest of Honour, distinguished guests, senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force, leaders of youth and student organisations, religious leaders, members of the media, and most importantly, the vibrant young people of Kogi State.
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to the Kogi State Police Command’s commemoration of International Youth Day 2026, under the theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”
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This year’s theme reminds us that although young people may come from different backgrounds and face different challenges, there are aspirations that unite us all — peace, security, opportunity, dignity and a better future.
It is in this spirit that the Nigeria Police Force has chosen to place youth engagement at the centre of this year’s commemoration. Our campaign theme, “My Future Is Greater Than Political and Digital Thuggery,” is a call to every young Nigerian to recognise that their future is too valuable to be sacrificed to violence, political manipulation, online abuse, misinformation or criminality.
Young people are not merely the leaders of tomorrow; you are important partners in building the safer society we desire today. Your energy, creativity, influence and understanding of the digital space can either contribute to peace and development or be exploited to create division and violence.
As a Command, we therefore believe that policing cannot be effective without the active participation and trust of young people. This is why today’s Youth Campaign Walk and Moderated Police–Youth Dialogue are more than ceremonial activities. They are opportunities for us to listen to one another, address concerns, build trust and identify practical ways of working together to prevent crime and maintain peace in our communities.
I particularly encourage our young people to use social media responsibly. Do not allow yourselves to become instruments for spreading false information, inciting violence or promoting hatred. Verify information before sharing it, disagree without violence, and remember that what is posted online can have real consequences offline.
As we approach future electoral activities, I also urge our youths to reject the temptation to serve as instruments of political violence. No political ambition is worth your life, your freedom or your future. Participate peacefully, exercise your civic rights responsibly and hold firmly to the belief that your future is indeed greater than political and digital thuggery.
On our part, the Kogi State Police Command remains committed to maintaining an open channel of communication with young people and to working with youth organisations, student bodies, religious groups, civil society and other stakeholders in strengthening security across the State.
I wish to sincerely appreciate all the organisations and individuals who have joined us today, particularly our youth and student representatives, for demonstrating your commitment to peace and responsible citizenship.
I also wish to specially commend the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, for his leadership and continued support for initiatives that promote meaningful engagement between the Nigeria Police Force and young people. His emphasis on community-oriented policing, youth engagement and proactive crime prevention continues to reinforce the understanding that effective policing is built not only on enforcement, but also on partnership, trust and dialogue.
The Kogi State Police Command appreciates this vision and remains committed to supporting the Nigeria Police Force in building a policing system where young people are seen, heard and actively involved in creating safer communities.
Once again, I warmly welcome you all and encourage us to make today’s dialogue meaningful, honest and solution-oriented.
Let us continue to choose peace, reject violence and build the future we desire.
Thank you, and God bless you all.
CP NAZIRU BELLO KANKAROFI, PSC, MNI
Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, AUGUST 22ND, 2026)
