...as Ekiti Police Command holds Youth Awareness Walkathon to commemorate ’26 International Youth Day
Adebayo Adenrele
The Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, Falade Michael, has urged youths in the state to reject political and digital thuggery, warning them against allowing themselves to be used to perpetrate violence, cyberbullying, misinformation and other forms of social disorder.
Falade gave the warning in Ado-Ekiti after an early morning Youth Awareness Walkathon across the state capital organised to commemorate the 2026 International Youth Day in Ekiti State.
The event, which brought together youths, students, members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), youth organisations, traditional and community leaders, security personnel and other stakeholders, was held under the theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”
The police commissioner described the walkathon as a demonstration of the collective commitment of stakeholders to building a peaceful, responsible and prosperous society.
While urging them to protect their future by refusing to participate in activities capable of undermining peace and security, he admonished them to make responsible use of technology to help prevent the spread of false information and reduce tensions capable of threatening peaceful coexistence.
His words, “Today’s event is not merely a walk; it is a demonstration of our collective commitment to building a peaceful, responsible and prosperous society. As we commemorate the 2026 International Youth Day under the theme “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” we are reminded that despite our different backgrounds, our aspirations for peace, security, opportunity and a better future remain the same.
“I particularly commend our youths for embracing the special national campaign, “My Future Is Greater Than Political and Digital Thuggery.” I urge you to reject every form of violence, political manipulation, cyberbullying, misinformation and digital thuggery.
“Your energy and talents should be channelled into productive ventures that will secure your future and contribute positively to the development of our society.
I also encourage you to always remember the message: “Think Before You Click, Verify Before You Share.” Let us use technology responsibly and become agents of peace rather than sources of conflict”.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC), Ekiti State Chapter, Adedara Temitope Moses, described the campaign as timely and important, saying it should receive the attention of youths and youth leaders across the country.
Adedara said the sensitisation was particularly necessary to help young people become responsible citizens who understand and obey the rules and regulations of society.
The NYC chairman stressed the importance of continuous sensitisation of young people, saying youth leaders had a responsibility to guide their members on appropriate behaviour and responsible citizenship within their communities.
