Don’t Rent Out Your Future, POWA President Tells Youths

Reject political thuggery, cultism, cybercrime, violence - Disu

The National President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Chief Mrs. Mutiat Olufunmilola Disu, has urged Nigerian youths to reject political thuggery, cultism, cybercrime, hate and violence, warning them not to allow politicians to exploit their energy and future for selfish ambitions.

Mrs. Disu gave the warning at the International Youth Day 2026 – National Youth Leadership & Security Initiative organised by the Nigeria Police Force, where she challenged young Nigerians to embrace peaceful democratic participation and become responsible leaders in their communities.

Speaking from the perspective of both a mother and a leader closely connected to the police family, the POWA President said she was particularly worried about youths being manipulated into believing that violence was a pathway to political relevance or power.

“Your future is too valuable to be rented out. Do not allow anyone to use your youth as a weapon and leave you to face the consequences alone,” she told the participants.

Mrs. Disu said Nigerian youths possessed more powerful tools for influencing the country's future, including their voices, ideas, skills and votes, urging them to deploy these tools rather than resorting to violence.

She stressed that political differences should not turn young Nigerians into enemies, noting that youths could support different political candidates while remaining peaceful and committed to the nation's development.

“You have something far more powerful: your voice, your ideas, your skills and your vote,” she said.

The POWA President also urged youths to channel their energy into education, entrepreneurship, technology, creative expression and problem-solving.

“As mothers, we want to see you come home safely,” she said, stressing the need for young Nigerians to avoid activities that could jeopardise their lives and future.

Mrs. Disu further warned against the dangers of misinformation and irresponsible use of social media, urging youths to verify information before sharing it.

“Think before you click; verify before you share,” she cautioned, noting that manipulated videos, false claims and misleading screenshots could create fear, inflame communities and damage people's reputations.

“Your phone is powerful. Use it to build, not to destroy,” she added.

She said Nigeria needed a new generation of young leaders who understood that leadership came with responsibility, accountability and service.

According to her, despite differences in background and circumstances, Nigerian youths largely share common aspirations for security, opportunity, dignity and a country where their dreams can become reality.

She therefore challenged them to choose “purpose over pressure, service over selfishness, truth over misinformation and leadership over thuggery.”

“Whenever anyone asks you to choose between violence and your future, remember: your future is greater than political thuggery,” Disu said.

The three-day International Youth Day 2026 programme, held from August 20 to 22, focused on youth leadership, responsible citizenship, innovation, entrepreneurship, digital responsibility and peaceful democratic participation, with the aim of strengthening Police–Youth partnerships and promoting safer communities.