The Ekiti State Police Command has commenced activities to mark the 2026 International Youth Day with a youth awareness walkathon aimed at promoting peaceful youth engagement, responsible citizenship and stronger police-youth partnerships across the state.
The walkathon, held on Thursday, August 20, 2026, commenced at about 7am from the Area Command Headquarters, Ado Central, Okesha, Ado-Ekiti.
The exercise attracted police personnel, members of the National Youth Service Corps, the Youth Wing of the Police Community Relations Committee, students, youth groups, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
The event was organised in line with the 2026 International Youth Day theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” as well as the national campaign message, “My Future Is Greater Than Political and Digital Thuggery.”
Ekiti CP urges youths to reject political violence, cybercrime
Addressing participants at the end of the walkathon, the Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, CP Falade Adegoroye Micheal, commended the youths and other stakeholders for their participation.
Adegoroye urged young people across the state to channel their energy, talents and creativity into productive and lawful activities capable of contributing to their personal development and the growth of society.
He warned youths against political violence, cultism, cybercrime, misinformation, online bullying and other forms of physical and digital thuggery.
The commissioner stressed that the future of Nigeria depends largely on the choices young people make, urging them to avoid activities that could threaten peace and security in their communities.
Police promote responsible use of social media
The Ekiti Police boss also encouraged youths to use social media and other digital platforms responsibly.
He urged them to embrace the campaign message, “Think Before You Click, Verify Before You Share,” stressing the need to verify information before sharing it online.
According to him, young people can play a significant role in promoting peace, responsible digital citizenship and positive social change when they use technology constructively.
Police pledge stronger engagement with Ekiti youths
CP Adegoroye reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining meaningful engagement with young people and youth-focused organisations across Ekiti State.
He said the police would continue to collaborate with the NYSC, PCRC Youth Wing, educational institutions, youth groups and other stakeholders to prevent crime, promote peaceful coexistence and create a safer environment for residents.
The commissioner appreciated the NYSC members, PCRC Youth Wing, youth groups, students, community stakeholders, media organisations, partner organisations and police personnel who participated in the awareness walk.
The Ekiti State Police Command subsequently called on youths across the state to remain peaceful, law-abiding and focused on activities that would contribute to their personal development and the progress of Ekiti State and Nigeria.
The awareness walkathon formed part of activities marking the 2026 International Youth Day in Ekiti State, with the police using the occasion to strengthen youth engagement and raise awareness about the dangers of political and digital thuggery.
