Youths Urged To Shun Political Violence, Protect National Assets

The national executive president of the Nigeria Youth Organisation (NYO), Comrade Okorie C. Okorie, has urged Nigerian youths to shun political violence and actively participate in nation-building to safeguard the country’s assets.

He made this call at the second edition of the official unveiling of the 2026 National Youth Security Emblem of the Nigeria Youth Organisation (NYO) and the flag-off of the Youth Campaign Against Thuggery and Electoral Malpractices (Y-CATEM).

The landmark event, held under the theme “Community Security: A Collective Responsibility for All Nigerian Youths,” brought together stakeholders across the states, including the FCT, in Abuja yesterday.

“We have gathered here today in furtherance of a cause that touches the very soul of our nation: security, peace, and democratic integrity,” he said.

He commended the leadership and vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose Renewed Hope Agenda continues to emphasise unity, youth inclusion, and security sector reforms. He also recognised the Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olasanas Emmanuel, for his commitment to youth empowerment, responsibility, inclusion, and nation-building.

According to Okorie, the theme “Community Security: A Collective Responsibility of All Nigerian Youths” is not a slogan, but a call to conscience. “Security is no longer the exclusive responsibility of the government or security agencies.

In today’s Nigeria, every young person is either part of the solution or part of the problem. Insecurity thrives where communities are silent, where youths are manipulated, and where civic responsibility is abandoned,” he said.

The Nigeria Youth Organisation firmly believes that youths must move from being tools of destabilisation to becoming guardians of peace and democracy.

“The National Youth Security Emblem we are unveiling today is symbolic. It represents vigilance over violence, patriotism over complacency, responsibility over recklessness, and peace over profit from chaos. This emblem is a badge of honour and a reminder that Nigerian youths must stand as the first line of defence for their communities—not as foot soldiers for criminality, political thuggery, or electoral fraud,” he added.

The launch of Y-CATEM is particularly significant as Nigeria continues to strengthen its democratic institutions. Over the years, electoral violence, vote-buying, ballot snatching, and youth-led thuggery have eroded public trust.

“Let me state clearly and without ambiguity: Nigerian youths must reject being weaponised for politics. Through the Youth Campaign Against Thuggery and Electoral Malpractices (Y-CATEM).

The Nigeria Youth Organisation is committed to nationwide youth sensitisation against electoral violence, community-based peace advocacy, collaboration with INEC, security agencies, and civil society, as well as youth monitoring and reporting mechanisms during elections. We are saying NO to thuggery, NO to manipulation, and YES to peaceful participation,” Okorie stressed.

He further highlighted that Nigeria’s greatest asset is not oil, gas, or minerals—it is her youth population. “But that asset can quickly become a liability if not properly guided. That is why the Nigeria Youth Organisation is repositioning youths as Community Peace Ambassadors, Election Advocates, and Partners in grassroots intelligence and security awareness.

We must build a culture where young people are proud to defend their communities, protect public infrastructure, and promote peaceful coexistence across ethnic, religious, and political lines.”

Okorie also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, and political actors to work with the NYO to ensure Nigerian youths are empowered with education, skills, and civic values, and are not recruited into violence and crime. “Security cannot succeed without trust, and trust cannot thrive without youth inclusion. A nation that loses its youth loses its future. But a nation that empowers its youth secures its destiny,” he said.

He reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to national unity, peaceful elections, community security, and responsible youth leadership. “Together, we will build a Nigeria where youths are known not for violence, but for vision, values, and vigilance.”

” As a Nigerian youth, I declare my full support for the Nigerian security agencies in their fight against insecurity in the country,” Okorie concluded.