The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, on Thursday declared open the National Youth Leadership and Security Dialogue in Abuja, marking the commencement of a three-day programme organised to commemorate International Youth Day 2026 under the National Youth Security and Peacebuilding Initiative.
The programme, scheduled for August 20 to 22, 2026, is themed “Different Contexts, Common Aspiration” and is aimed at promoting youth inclusion, peacebuilding, innovation and responsible citizenship.
Day One focused on Youth Leadership, Security and National Development, with discussions covering national security, digital responsibility, civic participation, entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, innovation and mental health.
Speaking at the event, Disu urged young Nigerians to reject political violence, criminal manipulation and digital thuggery, stressing that no political ambition was worth jeopardising the future of the nation’s youth.
He charged young people to embrace peace, leadership, innovation and responsible citizenship while shunning violence, hate, misinformation and other forms of destructive conduct.
The IGP reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to protecting democratic participation, securing communities and partnering with young people and relevant stakeholders to build a safer and more peaceful society.
He noted that the dialogue provides an important platform for young Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to national development and democratic stability.
The programme attracted government representatives, development partners, youth leaders, the Police Officers’ Wives Association, the Police Community Relations Committee, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
The Nigeria Police Force expressed confidence that the three-day engagement would produce practical outcomes capable of strengthening youth participation, community safety and national peace.
