The Ogun State Government has called on youths across the state to play a leading role in sustaining peace and order as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum, stressing that dialogue offers a more effective path to resolving disputes than confrontation.
The Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Tokunbo Talabi, made the appeal on Thursday during the 2026 International Youth Day celebration, organised by the Ogun State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, with the theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations”.
Speaking at the event in Abeokuta, Talabi praised the leadership of the NYCN in the state for what he described as maturity and exceptional leadership, expressing optimism that Ogun youths would demonstrate responsibility and reject political bigotry during the forthcoming elections.
He explained that young people are frequently vulnerable to manipulation during election periods, noting that the government was involving them in measures aimed at preserving law and order and preventing electoral violence.
“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 said he was confident that the maturity demonstrated by Ogun youths would contribute to peaceful elections, noting that the state administration had achieved greater results through engagement and dialogue rather 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 was using the occasion to celebrate young people and reaffirm its willingness to consider ideas capable of advancing their development. He encouraged youths to present constructive proposals, assuring them that the government would continue to support programmes designed to strengthen their skills and capacities.
Also speaking, the State Head of Service, Olanrewaju Saka, said that young people, irrespective of their different backgrounds, are united by shared aspirations for a better future. He urged the newly inaugurated ward executives to discharge their responsibilities with integrity, inclusiveness and dedication to service.
In his remarks, the NYCN state chairman, Akolawole Shoremi, applauded the Abiodun administration for approving the state’s first Youth Policy Document and facilitating the inauguration of 2,360 NYCN ward executives, describing the development as unprecedented in Nigeria.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, Shoremi advised Ogun youths to reject attempts by politicians to recruit them as thugs. He urged them to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, participate in voter education and actively engage in 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 the NYCN, Pa Simeon Ogundipe, appealed to the state government to adopt strategies used in Western countries by creating more employment opportunities and expanding empowerment programmes for young people.
