The State Chairman of the Delta State Council of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, (NYCN) and Deputy National Secretary of the Forum of NYCN State Chairmen, Comr. Amb. Sagboje Odiri Milton, CLN, has warned young people in the state against allowing politicians to recruit them for political and digital thuggery ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Sagboje gave the warning while delivering a remark on behalf of the youth constituency at the 2026 International Youth Day Celebration organised by the Nigeria Police Force, Delta State Command in Asaba.
The event, held at the Police Officers’ Mess, Delta State Police Headquarters, Okpanam Road, under the National Youth Leadership and Security Initiative, was themed “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.” The programme also featured the launch of the National Campaign Against Political and Digital Thuggery with the message, “My Future Is Greater Than Political and Digital Thuggery.”
Speaking on behalf of Delta youths, Comr. Sagboje urged young people to reject attempts to use them for violence, online harassment, misinformation, intimidation and other forms of political manipulation.
He said temporary financial inducements, political promises and online popularity should never be allowed to compromise the future, dignity and freedom of young people.
“As we approach the 2027 general elections, I urge every young Deltan never to allow anyone to use your present to destroy your future. Your future is far greater than the temporary gains that may come from political and digital thuggery,” he said.»
The NYCN chairman described young people as critical stakeholders in the democratic process, urging them to participate actively and responsibly in politics, governance and civic affairs.
He also called on youths to deploy technology positively by promoting innovation, knowledge, constructive dialogue and development, rather than hate speech, misinformation, cyberbullying and intimidation.
He further urged young Deltans to be vigilant against political actors who may seek to exploit economic hardship, peer pressure and youthful energy for selfish political interests. “Elections will come and go, but the consequences of the choices we make today will remain with us long after the politicians have moved on,” he added.
He commended the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, and the Police Command for creating a platform for meaningful engagement with young people, noting that such initiatives help strengthen trust between the police and the youth.
He also appreciated the Delta State Commissioner for Youth Development and Special Projects, Hon. Barr. Brave Enodeh, DCN Silas Omabude of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and other panelists for their contributions to discussions on substance abuse, youth vulnerability, leadership, civic responsibility and security.
Comr. Sagboje reaffirmed the commitment of the NYCN Delta State Council to continued collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, Delta State Government and other stakeholders in promoting youth development, responsible citizenship, peace and security. He urged Delta youths to choose peaceful political participation and constructive leadership, stressing that “the future of the Nigerian youth is greater than political and digital thuggery.”