Susan Abayomi
The President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Chief Mrs Mutiat Olufunmilola Disu, has led a tree-planting exercise as part of the Nigeria Police Force’s International Youth Day 2026 National Youth Leadership and Security Initiative.
The exercise, which featured the planting of 50 seedlings donated by the Federal Ministry of Environment, was carried out under the campaign theme, “Plant Peace. Grow Nigeria. Secure the Future.”
Mrs Disu said the initiative was designed to highlight the connection between environmental sustainability, peace and the future of young Nigerians, describing the planted trees as symbols of hope and a commitment to future generations.
According to her, nurturing a tree requires patience, protection and the right environment to thrive, just as young people need support, guidance and opportunities to fulfill their potential.
She stressed that efforts to secure the future of Nigerian youths must extend beyond crime prevention to include the creation of a safe and healthy environment in which they can live, learn and develop.
“We cannot ask them to protect Nigeria while destroying the environment they will inherit,” she said.
The POWA president expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Environment for providing the seedlings and commended the wives of senior police officers who participated in the exercise.
Among those who joined the initiative were wives of Deputy Inspectors-General of Police, including DIGs Achinyan, Isyaku, Fayoade and Nadada, as well as wives of Assistant Inspectors-General and Commissioners of Police.
Mrs Disu said their participation demonstrated the commitment of the police family not only to the security needs of Nigerians today but also to creating a better environment for generations yet unborn.
Beyond the environmental message, the initiative also carried a strong appeal to young Nigerians on peaceful citizenship and responsible participation in society.
Mrs Disu urged youths not to allow themselves to be exploited for violence or political interests, encouraging them instead to channel their energy into education, innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership and peacebuilding.
She emphasised that young Nigerians have a significant role to play in shaping the country’s future and should see themselves as contributors to national development rather than instruments of conflict.
Drawing a parallel between peace and environmental conservation, she noted that just as a tree requires continuous care to grow, peace also needs sustained commitment from individuals, families and communities.
“Peace, like a tree, must be nurtured,” she said, while encouraging parents to raise children who understand that genuine strength is not expressed through violence and that leadership should not be based on intimidation.
The tree-planting exercise forms part of broader activities around the Nigeria Police Force’s International Youth Day 2026 National Youth Leadership and Security Initiative, which places emphasis on youth development, security awareness and responsible citizenship.
As Nigeria continues to confront environmental and social challenges, the initiative underscores the importance of involving young people in efforts to build peaceful, sustainable and secure communities.
Mrs Disu called on Nigerians to embrace the campaign as a collective responsibility, stressing that the actions taken today will determine the kind of country future generations inherit.
She concluded with a message centred on responsibility to the next generation, urging Nigerians to plant not only trees but also the values of peace, unity and responsible leadership.
The initiative therefore presents environmental protection and youth development as complementary components of national security, with the message that a safer and more sustainable Nigeria requires collective action from citizens of all ages.
