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The Ogun State Government has charged youths in the state to take responsibility for peace and order as the 2027 election cycle approaches, saying dialogue remains more productive than disruption.
The Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Tokunbo Talabi, gave the charge on Thursday, at the 2026 International Youth Day themed “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations”, organised by the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, Ogun State chapter.
Speaking at the event held in Abeokuta, Talabi commended the current state leadership of the NYCN for demonstrating maturity and rare leadership qualities, expressing confidence that youths would take charge and avoid political bigotry during the elections.
The SSG noted that youths are often targeted and made impressionable during election periods, stressing that the government was therefore incorporating them into efforts to maintain law and order to prevent violence.
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“As they say, build the youth, build the nation. All that we are trying to do is to build the youths. To make sure that we give them, we show them good examples that they can follow.
“We don’t want any political bigotry coming from the youth. And that is why we are making sure that we are incorporating them with the responsibility of maintaining law and order during the election,” Talabi stated.
The Chief host expressed confidence that the level of maturity displayed by Ogun youths would ensure peaceful elections, adding that the administration has recorded more success through dialogue than confrontation.
“This administration has achieved more with dialogue than disruption. And that’s what we are preaching to everybody. That with dialogue, we get more done. Because even when you disrupt, you still have to come to the table to negotiate for peace to come. So why don’t you start with the negotiation and the discussion?” he asked.
Talabi said the state government is celebrating with youths on their day and remains open to ideas that will enhance their growth, urging them to bring forward proposals, assuring that the government is committed to supporting initiatives that build the capacity of young people in the state.
Also, the State Head of Service, Olanrewaju Saka, asserted that despite the differences in backgrounds, young people share common aspirations for a better future, urging the newly inaugurated ward executives to embrace the responsibility with integrity, inclusiveness and a strong commitment to service.
In his address, the NYCN state chairman, Akolawole Shoremi, commended the Abiodun-led administration for approving the state’s first-ever Youth Policy Document and for supporting the inauguration of 2,360 ward executives of the NYCN, which he described as the first of its kind in Nigeria.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Shoremi charged Ogun youths not to allow themselves be used as political thugs, urging them to get their Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, participate in voter education, and be part of the electoral process.
“We should not become tools in the hands of politicians. It is the right orientation, it is the right education that we should give to our young people. Ensure that you have your voter’s card and be part of the electoral process,” he said.
Meanwhile, the pioneer state chairman of NYCN, Pa Simeon Ogundipe, urged the state government to emulate the Western world by creating more jobs and empowering the youths.
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