Kasie Abone, Awka
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, has urged youths in the state to reject all forms of thuggery, violence and the misuse of social media for criminal activities.
CP Ama made the call while addressing participants during activities marking the 2026 International Youth Day in Anambra State, where he joined youths and other stakeholders in a walk against thuggery, including digital thuggery.
The police commissioner said the theme of this year’s celebration, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” underscored the shared aspirations of young people across different backgrounds for dignity, opportunities, safety and a better future.
According to him, youths remain critical to the development, peace and security of society, stressing that their energy and creativity must be channelled into productive ventures.
Ama identified sports as a veritable tool for youth engagement and crime prevention, noting that several countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Netherlands, Canada and Australia, have deployed organised sports, mentoring and youth development programmes to divert young people from crime and anti-social behaviour.
He said sports should therefore be viewed beyond recreation, describing it as an investment in crime prevention and community security.
“Sport gives young people something positive to aspire to. It builds discipline, teamwork, confidence and healthy relationships while keeping them meaningfully engaged and away from negative influences,” he said.
The CP, however, warned that young people face growing threats from negative peer influence, drug abuse, poverty, unemployment, intolerance and manipulation, adding that the dangers have now extended into the digital space.
He noted that social media platforms could be misused to spread false information, incite violence and recruit young people into criminal activities.
Ama therefore appealed to youths not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of violence or digital thuggery, stressing that their future was more valuable than any temporary reward.
“To our youths, I say: do not allow yourselves to be used as instruments of violence or digital thuggery. Your future is far more valuable than any temporary reward,” he said.
The police commissioner further stressed that crime prevention could not be achieved by the police alone, calling for stronger collaboration among youths, parents, schools, religious and traditional leaders, civil society organisations and the wider community.
He urged participants in the walk to embrace peace, responsible citizenship and responsible use of technology while rejecting crime and violence.
Ama assured the youths that they were not the problem but an important part of the solution to the security challenges confronting society.
“Our young people are not the problem. You are an important part of the solution. Together, let us build an Anambra where our youths can live safely, dream freely, and achieve their aspirations legitimately,” he said.
He wished young people across Anambra State a happy and meaningful International Youth Day, while calling for collective efforts to create an environment where youths could safely pursue their aspirations.
For a better society
Follow us across our platforms:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/championnewsonline/
Facebook – https://web.facebook.com/championnewsonline
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/champion-newspapers-limited/
https://x.com/championnewsng/
You can also like and comment on our YouTube videos.
https://youtu.be/QIBfD1tT80w?si=R4Qf3so2LxYu3GC2
