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The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has announced plans to host the International Youth Day (IYD) 2026 – National Youth Leadership and Security Initiative from August 20 to 22, 2026, at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre, Jabi, Abuja.
The three-day event will also feature corresponding activities across the Police Zonal and State Commands nationwide, as part of efforts to strengthen youth participation in security, leadership and nation-building.The initiative, themed “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” in line with the United Nations International Youth Day theme, is designed as a preventive policing programme aimed at promoting youth leadership, responsible citizenship, innovation, entrepreneurship, digital responsibility and peaceful democratic engagement.
The programme seeks to deepen Police–Youth collaboration towards creating safer and more secure communities across Nigeria.
Activities lined up for the event include Youth Leadership Dialogues, Police–Youth Engagement Sessions, panel discussions, innovation and entrepreneurship exhibitions, a Peace and Security Walkathon, novelty sporting activities, and the “Plant Peace. Grow Nigeria. Secure the Future.” national tree planting initiative.
Other highlights include youth recognition and awards, as well as the official launch of “Esteemed Youths,” a national youth reorientation resource book scheduled for August 22, 2026.
The celebration will also feature the unveiling of two nationwide reorientation campaigns: “My Future Is Greater Than Political and Digital Thuggery,” which aims to discourage political violence, electoral misconduct and digital manipulation, and “Think Before You Click. Verify Before You Share,” focused on promoting responsible digital behaviour and tackling misinformation, disinformation, cyberbullying, deepfakes and other forms of online abuse.
The Police Force further informed partners and stakeholders who had earlier received invitations and programme details that the event date has been updated to August 20–22, 2026, with revised schedules and additional information to be communicated in due course.
The Nigeria Police Force has invited Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), development partners, diplomatic missions, youth organisations, educational institutions, civil society groups, faith-based organisations, the private sector and members of the public to participate in the landmark initiative.
Registration is currently open through the official programme portal:
www.iyd26.silvaweb.com.ng
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to preventive policing through strategic youth engagement, noting that empowering young Nigerians with the right values, opportunities and leadership platforms remains essential to building a peaceful, secure and prosperous nation.
CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu
Force Public Relations Officer
Force Headquarters, Abuja
