—Urge youths to shun political thuggery ahead of 2027
By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta
ABEOKUTA — The Ogun State Police Command has urged students to shun cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime, political thuggery and other criminal activities capable of jeopardising their future.
The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, of the command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, gave the charge while delivering a keynote address at the 45th Students Parliament Council, SPC, Summit 2026, organised by the Student Parliamentary Council of the Federal College of Education, Abeokuta.
The summit, themed, “From Campus to Nation: Mobilising for Peace, Security and Development,” brought together academics, student leaders and other stakeholders to deliberate on the role of young Nigerians in promoting peace, security and national development.
Babaseyi described students as important stakeholders in national security, stressing that security was a collective responsibility involving government, security agencies, communities, families and citizens.
“Security is not the responsibility of the Police alone. It is a collective responsibility involving government, security agencies, communities, families and, most importantly, responsible citizens,” he said.
The police spokesman warned students against cultism, describing it as a threat to their future and urging them not to allow themselves to be recruited into groups involved in violence and criminal activities.
“Cultism is not a sign of strength or superiority,” he said, adding that true strength was rooted in “self-confidence, discipline, character and the courage to stand independently without hiding behind a group.”
He also cautioned students on the use of social media, urging them to avoid spreading rumours, hate speech, inciting content and unverified information.
“In this digital age, your phones and social media platforms can either promote peace or create serious security challenges. Think before you post, verify before you share, and never use social media to spread rumours, hate, incitement or unverified information,” Babaseyi said.
On the 2027 general elections, he urged Nigerian youths to participate peacefully and responsibly by embracing issue-based engagement and respecting democratic processes.
“As we approach the 2027 general elections, Nigerian youths must choose the path of peaceful participation, issue-based engagement and respect for democratic processes. Your voice matters, but it must be expressed responsibly,” he said.
Babaseyi reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to protecting lives and property and providing a secure environment for education, investment and development.
He said the police, under the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu, and the Ogun State Police Command, would continue to work towards ensuring security across the state.
He, however, called for greater cooperation between the police and citizens, urging students and members of the public to provide credible information about suspicious activities.
“See something, say something. Provide credible information, support lawful security initiatives and maintain peaceful relationships within your communities,” he said.
The PPRO charged the students to regard their time on campus as preparation for leadership and responsible citizenship, saying their choices today would influence the kind of nation they would build tomorrow.
“The nation you desire tomorrow begins with the choices you make today. From the classroom to the community, and from the campus to the nation, let us choose peace, responsibility, integrity and service,” Babaseyi said.
He expressed hope that the summit would inspire young Nigerians not only to demand a better country but also to take responsibility for building one.
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