IYD: Ogun govt charges youths to shun election violence

The Ogun State Government has charged the teeming youths of the state to shun election violence, as the 2027 general elections draw near.

They were advised to take responsibility for peace and order, embrace dialogue and remain productive.

The Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi, gave the charge on Thursday at the 2026 International Youth Day, themed “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” organised by the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, Ogun State chapter.

Talabi commended the current state leadership of the NYCN for demonstrating maturity and rare leadership qualities, expressing confidence that youths would take charge and avoid political bigotry during the elections.

He noted that youths are often targeted and made impressionable during election periods, stressing that the government was therefore incorporating them into efforts to maintain law and order to prevent violence.

“Like they say, build the youth, build the nation. All that we are trying to do is to build the youth. To make sure that we give them, we show them good examples that they can follow.

“We don’t want any political bigotry coming from the youth. And that is why we are making sure that we are incorporating them with the responsibility of maintaining law and order during the election,” Talabi stated.

Talabi expressed confidence that the level of maturity displayed by Ogun youths would ensure peaceful elections, adding that the administration has recorded more success through dialogue than confrontation.

“This administration has achieved more with dialogue than disruption. And that’s what we are preaching to everybody. That with dialogue, we get more done. Because even when you disrupt, you still have to come to the table to negotiate for peace to come. So why don’t you start with the negotiation and the discussion?” he asked.

Talabi said the state government is celebrating with youths on their day and remains open to ideas that will enhance youth growth, urging them to bring forward proposals, assuring that the government is committed to supporting initiatives that build the capacity of young people in the state.

Also, the State Head of Service, Olanrewaju Saka, asserted that despite the differences and background young people share common aspirations for a better future, urging the newly inaugurated ward executives to embrace the responsibility with integrity, inclusiveness and a scaled commitment to service.

The duo of Talabi and Saka were honoured with an award of excellence, while the event also witnessed the inauguration of 2,360 ward executives of the council.

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In his address, the NYCN state chairman, Akolawole Shoremi, commended the Abiodun-led administration for approving the state’s first-ever Youth Policy Document and for supporting the inauguration of 2,360 ward executives of the NYCN, which he described as the first of its kind in Nigeria.

Shoremi charged Ogun youths not to allow themselves to be used as political thugs, urging them to get their Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, participate in voter education, and be part of the electoral process.

“We should not become tools in the hands of politicians. It is the right orientation, it is the right education that we should give to our young people. Ensure that you have your voter’s card and be part of the electoral process,” he said.

Meanwhile, the pioneer state chairman of NYCN, Pa Simeon Ogundipe, urged the state government to emulate the western world by creating more jobs and empowerment for the youth.