POWA President Warns Nigerian Youths Against Political Violence

The National President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Chief Mrs. Mutiat Olufunmilola Disu, has urged Nigerian youths to reject political violence and other criminal activities, warning them not to allow politicians to exploit their energy and youthful strength for destructive purposes.

Disu gave the warning while addressing participants at the 2026 International Youth Day programme, organised under the National Youth Leadership and Security Initiative of the Nigeria Police Force.

She advised young Nigerians to stay away from political thuggery, cultism, cybercrime, hate campaigns and other forms of violence, stressing that active participation in democracy could be achieved without resorting to criminality.

According to her, youths must understand that their future should not be sacrificed for the political ambitions of individuals who may not be available to bear the consequences of their actions.

She urged the youths to deploy their votes, talents, ideas, education and skills towards influencing the direction of the country rather than allowing themselves to be recruited into violent activities.

The POWA president said political differences should not turn young Nigerians against one another, noting that citizens could support different political parties and candidates while maintaining mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.

She encouraged the participants to invest their energy in education, entrepreneurship, technology, innovation, creative industries and other productive ventures capable of improving their lives and contributing to national development.

Speaking from the perspective of a mother and leader of an organisation closely associated with the police family, Disu said the safety and future of young Nigerians remained a major concern.

She warned that young people who allowed themselves to be used for violence could eventually be left to face arrest, prosecution, injury or other consequences alone.

The POWA president also cautioned youths about the dangers of misinformation and irresponsible social media usage, urging them to authenticate information before posting or sharing it online.

She noted that fabricated stories, manipulated videos and misleading images could create tension, damage reputations and provoke conflicts within communities.

Disu therefore encouraged young Nigerians to make responsible use of their digital devices, stressing that technology should be deployed to create opportunities, promote positive ideas and strengthen society rather than spread hatred or incite violence.

She further challenged the youths to develop the qualities required for responsible leadership, saying Nigeria needed young people who were not only ambitious but also conscious of the responsibilities attached to leadership.

According to her, despite differences in background and circumstances, many young Nigerians share common aspirations for security, economic opportunity, dignity and a society where their talents can flourish.

She consequently urged them to make choices that would protect their future, rather than decisions that could jeopardise their lives and prospects.

The three-day International Youth Day 2026 programme, held from August 20 to 22, focused on youth leadership, responsible citizenship, innovation, entrepreneurship, digital responsibility and peaceful participation in democratic processes.

The initiative was also designed to strengthen cooperation between the police and young Nigerians while encouraging greater youth involvement in efforts to build safer and more peaceful communities.