Bolatito Mercy
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani, has charged media practitioners to always verify information before publication, warning that misinformation, especially in the digital space, could pose serious security challenges.
CP Tijani gave the charge during the Lagos State Police Command’s commemoration of the 2026 International Youth Day, held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) Secretariat, Oduduwa Street, Lagos.
The event, themed “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” featured the recognition of the President of the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), Mayor Oki Olatunji Samson, as a Police-Youth Advocate for his contributions to youth engagement, responsible security journalism and community safety.
The programme also witnessed the launch of the National Campaign Against Political and Digital Thuggery and a Police-Youth Dialogue aimed at strengthening collaboration between security agencies and young Nigerians.
The initiative, which aligns with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, focused on youth inclusion, responsible citizenship and peacebuilding as key elements in addressing emerging security threats.
Speaking at the event, Mayor Oki Olatunji Samson, a security journalist and NAOSNP President, stressed the need for deliberate investment in young people, noting that youths should not only be seen as victims or perpetrators of insecurity but as critical partners in creating a safer society.
He described the digital space as an extension of the real world, emphasising that social media users must apply the same level of responsibility online as they do offline.
According to him, young Nigerians must understand the influence and power of their voices, especially on social media platforms.
“Your phone is powerful. Your social media account is powerful. Your voice is powerful. Please use that power to build, not destroy.”
He urged youths to avoid being manipulated by politicians, warning that no short-term benefit was worth compromising their future.
“Do not allow anyone to use your future to settle their present disagreement.”
Mayor Oki also encouraged young people to verify information before sharing it, adding that actions carried out online could have real-life consequences.
The message aligned with CP Tijani’s warning against the involvement of youths in political violence ahead of the next election cycle. The Commissioner urged young Nigerians to look beyond immediate gains and focus on protecting their future.
“Tomorrow is there for us. We should not think of today. We should always think of tomorrow. That tomorrow is more important than what we are today.”
The police boss cautioned youths against being used for electoral violence, noting that many political actors would never expose their own children to such dangers.
“None of these politicians will use any of their children for electioneering, thuggery, violence or what have you.”
He advised young Nigerians to reject activities such as ballot-box snatching, intimidation, destruction of property and other forms of political violence, while encouraging responsible participation in democratic processes.
CP Tijani also described the digital environment as a growing security concern, urging citizens to think carefully before posting, sharing or reacting to sensitive content online.
In his goodwill message, Commander of the 9 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ayokunle Owolabi, commended the initiative, describing it as timely and necessary.
Owolabi said young Nigerians remain vital to Nigeria’s peace and development, adding that security is no longer the sole responsibility of security agencies but requires the involvement of all citizens.
He warned against the misuse of social media and physical spaces for violence, misinformation and intimidation, while calling for stronger trust between youths and security institutions.
Also speaking, the Lagos State Coordinator of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), SP Olivia Amarachi Ugochukwu, urged youths to take responsibility for creating safer communities.
She said:
“Policing is everybody’s business. If you see something, say something.”
She further called on the media to ensure that only verified information is published, stressing that responsible reporting remains crucial in preventing panic and conflict.
The event attracted representatives from the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Navy, NDLEA, FRSC, NSCDC, NYSC, POCACOV, PCRC, NYCN, NANS, NURTW, RTEAN, CRAN, NAOSNP, POWA and youths from police barracks across Lagos State.
The recognition of Mayor Oki Samson as a Police-Youth Advocate highlighted the growing importance of partnerships between the media, security agencies and young Nigerians in promoting peace and stability.
As Nigeria continues to confront emerging security challenges driven by misinformation, online influence and political manipulation, stakeholders stressed that securing the nation requires not only effective policing but also winning the trust, support and participation of its youthful population.
