“No political ambition is worth the life of any Nigerian youth. No politician should persuade you to carry a weapon, attack opponents, destroy property, disrupt elections, or engage in violence, while his or her own children are pursuing education and careers…”
These were the words of the Police Commissioner, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, while addressing youths of Akwa Ibom State when he hosted them at the International Youth Day 2026 held at the Command Headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo.
In his speech, CP Azare, while encouraging the youths to participate in politics, warned them against the temptation of being used as agents of political violence; rather, they should partner with the Police and other security agencies to provide credible information that can help in curbing crime in the State.
He passionately appealed to them to shun cultism, drug abuse, cybercrimes, and other vices capable of ruining their lives.
“You are too valuable to be used for political thuggery; your talent is greater than cybercrime, your voice is stronger than misinformation; your potential is greater than drugs and cultism, and your responsibility to protect your community is greater than the temptation to destroy it. Do not allow anyone to mortgage your tomorrow for his political ambition today,” the CP quipped.
Related: Police Marks Int’l Youth Day 2026 With Walkathon For Fitness, Peace And Unity In Akwa Ibom
The Police helmsman encouraged youths to be protectors of public infrastructures and assets, saying that vandalising them is not only an attack on government but also on their communities and their future.
He assured that the Nigerian Police Force is committed to strengthening police-community relations and creating an atmosphere where responsible young Nigerians can engage law enforcement institutions constructively.
CP Azare used the occasion to commend the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, for his deliberate efforts towards improving the welfare opportunities and future of young people in Akwa Ibom State.
He thanked the Governor for integrating the youth structure into the security apparatus of the State, noting that it would contribute significantly to strengthening community participation in security concerns in the State.
His words: “Our youth leaders are closer to the grassroots; they understand their communities and know the people. Bringing them into the security framework strengthens intelligence gathering, early warning, community engagement and crime prevention.
The high point of the event was the official launch of the “ONE TO TELL TEN” Youth Engagement Programme, aimed at multiplying positive security messages across communities.
Flagging off the programme, CP Azare tasked every youth to take the message to at least ten other youths around them, encouraging them to reject crime, political violence, cultism and drug abuse and embrace responsible use of social media, respect the rule of law and see the Police as partners in building safer communities.
Goodwill messages were received from various groups, including Village Youth Presidents, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Police Wives Association, Youth Corps members, Police Community Relations Committee, etc.
