The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has formally adopted the Abuja Youth Declaration on Peace, Responsible Citizenship and Democratic Participation at the closing ceremony of the three-day International Youth Day 2026 programme in Abuja.
The event, which ended on Saturday, August 22, 2026, was organised under the National Youth Leadership and Security Initiative of the Nigeria Police Force with the theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” and the campaign, “My Future is Greater Than Political and Digital Thuggery.”
The closing ceremony featured the International Youth Day Honours and Awards, the launch of a national campaign against political and digital thuggery and electoral violence, the investiture of National Youth Ambassadors, and the presentation of the book Esteemed Youths.
A major outcome of the three-day engagement was the adoption of the Abuja Youth Declaration, which seeks to promote peace, responsible citizenship and meaningful democratic participation among Nigerian youths.
Speaking at the event, IGP Disu said the programme had moved beyond speeches to practical engagement through panel sessions, a walkathon, tree-planting exercise and other activities designed to promote responsibility and action among young Nigerians.
He said the initiative would continue beyond Abuja, noting that the Nigeria Police Force would take the conversation to schools, tertiary institutions, NYSC formations and youth organisations across the country.
The IGP urged young Nigerians to embrace the commitments contained in the Abuja Youth Declaration and allow them to guide their civic participation, online conduct and relationships with their communities and the nation.
He also reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to partnering with youths in promoting prevention, protection, peaceful democratic participation and responsible digital citizenship.
In her goodwill message, the National President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association, Mrs. Olufunmilola Disu, urged youths to reject violence, political thuggery, cybercrime, hate and misinformation.
She encouraged young Nigerians to use their voices, ideas, skills and digital platforms positively, stressing that their future is greater than political and digital thuggery.
The Nigeria Police Force appreciated government institutions, development partners, private-sector sponsors, facilitators, speakers, volunteers and youth participants for their contributions to the success of the programme.
The Force further pledged to sustain the initiative and deepen police-youth partnerships in the interest of peace, security and national development.
