Reject thuggery, cultism, cybercrime – POWA president tells youths

Oguntade Ismaila

The National President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Chief Mrs. Mutiat Olufunmilola Disu, has warned Nigerian youths against allowing politicians to manipulate them into acts of violence, stressing that no political ambition is worth sacrificing their future.

Disu gave the warning over the weekend while speaking at the 2026 International Youth Day programme organised under the National Youth Leadership and Security Initiative of the Nigeria Police Force.

The POWA president urged young Nigerians to reject political thuggery, cultism, cybercrime, hate campaigns and other forms of violence, urging them instead to deploy their votes, talents, skills and ideas to influence the country’s future.

She said: “Your future is too valuable to be rented out. Do not allow anyone to use your youth as a weapon and leave you to face the consequences alone.”

According to her, youths must understand that political participation does not require violence, noting that Nigerians can hold different political opinions, support different candidates and still live together peacefully.

Disu encouraged young people to channel their energy into education, entrepreneurship, technology, innovation and creative ventures capable of improving their lives and contributing to national development.

She also warned against the growing dangers of misinformation and irresponsible use of social media, urging youths to verify information before sharing it.

“Think before you click; verify before you share,” she advised, noting that fake reports, manipulated videos and misleading online content could trigger tension, destroy reputations and cause conflict.

The POWA president further urged young Nigerians to use technology to create opportunities and promote positive change rather than spreading hatred or inciting violence.

She said Nigeria needed a new generation of young leaders who would combine ambition with responsibility and patriotism.

Disu challenged the youths to choose “purpose over pressure, service over selfishness, truth over misinformation and leadership over thuggery.”

The three-day International Youth Day programme, held from August 20 to 22, focused on youth leadership, responsible citizenship, innovation, entrepreneurship, digital responsibility and peaceful democratic participation, while seeking to strengthen Police–Youth partnerships and promote safer communities.