The Nigeria Police Force is set to bring young Nigerians together in Abuja for a three-day programme focused on leadership, peacebuilding, innovation and responsible citizenship.
The event, scheduled for August 20 to 22 at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre in Jabi, Abuja, will also be replicated through related activities at Police Zonal and State Commands across the country.
The 2026 International Youth Day programme carries the theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” and is being presented by the Police as part of its preventive policing strategy.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the initiative is intended to deepen cooperation between the Police and young people while creating platforms for youths to contribute to safer and more peaceful communities.
The programme will feature youth leadership dialogues, Police-youth interaction sessions, panel discussions, entrepreneurship and innovation exhibitions, a peace and security walkathon, as well as novelty sporting activities.
A nationwide tree-planting campaign, titled “Plant Peace. Grow Nigeria. Secure the Future,” will also be held, alongside recognition of outstanding young Nigerians through youth honours and awards.
One of the major highlights will be the unveiling of Esteemed Youths: A National Youth Reorientation Resource on August 22.
The Police also plan to introduce two nationwide campaigns aimed at addressing challenges affecting young people in the political and digital spaces.
The first campaign, “My Future Is Greater Than Political and Digital Thuggery,” will encourage youths to reject political violence, electoral thuggery and harmful forms of digital manipulation.
The second, “Think Before You Click. Verify Before You Share,” will focus on promoting responsible use of digital platforms while raising awareness about misinformation, disinformation, cyberbullying and the improper use of emerging technologies.
The Force has called on government agencies, development partners, diplomatic missions, youth groups, schools, civil society organisations, faith-based bodies, private-sector stakeholders and members of the public to participate in the programme.
The Police said the initiative is part of its broader effort to strengthen preventive policing by engaging young Nigerians and providing them with the values, opportunities and leadership platforms needed to contribute positively to national development.
