The President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Chief Mrs Mutiat Olufunmilola Disu, has urged Nigerian youths to reject violence, political thuggery, and other destructive activities, saying they have a critical role to play in building a peaceful and sustainable nation.
Mrs Disu made the call during a tree-planting exercise organised as part of activities for the Nigeria Police Force International Youth Day 2026 National Youth Leadership and Security Initiative in Abuja.
The exercise, held under the theme “Plant Peace. Grow Nigeria. Secure the Future,” featured the planting of 50 tree seedlings donated by the Federal Ministry of Environment.
Participants included Mrs Franca Achinyan, wife of DIG Zachariah Fera Achinyan; Mrs Zainab Isyaku, wife of DIG Isyaku Mohammed; Mrs Adekemi Fayoade, wife of DIG Adegoke Mustapha Fayoade; Mrs Hadiza Shehu Nadada, wife of DIG Umar Shehu Nadada; Mrs Angela Olaiya; Mrs Ada Ene Alonyenu; Mrs Nkiru Oranwusi; and Mrs Samuel Etaifo Iyabo.
Speaking at the event, the POWA President said the tree-planting exercise represented the collective responsibility of Nigerians to protect the environment and create a better future for younger generations.
“Today, we are not merely planting trees. We are planting a promise—to our children, to our youths, to future generations and to Nigeria,” Mrs Disu said.
She said the exercise demonstrated that, just as trees require care, protection and time to grow, young Nigerians also need the right environment, guidance and opportunities to develop their potential.
Mrs Disu said securing the future of Nigerian youths should go beyond crime prevention to include environmental sustainability, peacebuilding and responsible citizenship.
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She described the 50 seedlings donated by the Federal Ministry of Environment as symbols of hope and partnership among institutions working towards a healthier and more sustainable Nigeria.
The POWA President also commended the wives of senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force who participated in the exercise, saying their involvement reflected the commitment of police families to the wellbeing of Nigerians and the future of the country.
She likened peace to a growing tree, saying both require patience, commitment and continuous protection.
“When we plant a tree, we do not expect it to become a forest overnight. We nurture it. We protect it. We water it. We give it time. Peace is the same,” she said.
Mrs Disu urged Nigerians to make environmental protection a daily responsibility, noting that the quality of the country inherited by future generations would depend largely on decisions taken today.
She also warned youths against allowing themselves to be used as instruments of political violence, particularly during election periods.
“Do not allow anyone to convince you that your only value is in what you can do for them during an election. You are worth more than political thuggery. You are worth more than violence,” she said.
She urged young Nigerians to channel their energy into education, innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership and community service.
Mrs Disu further called on parents to play a stronger role in raising responsible children, saying young people should be taught that courage does not mean violence and leadership does not require intimidation.
She said the ultimate goal should be to build a Nigeria where future generations can live, grow and prosper in safety.
The Nigeria Police Force also expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Environment for donating the seedlings and supporting the initiative.
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