The Imo State Police Command, in collaboration with the Imo State Ministry of Youth Development and Talent Hunt, on Thursday, 20 August 2026, held a Police–Youth Dialogue at the Senior Police Officers’ Mess, Owerri, to commemorate International Youth Day 2026.
Police Public Relations Officer
Imo State Command, DSP Henry Okoye said that the programme, organised pursuant to the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and themed “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” focused on strengthening partnership between the Police and young people in promoting peace, responsible citizenship and crime prevention in Imo State.
The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Audu Garba Bosso, urged youths to embrace peace, shun cultism, drug abuse, violence and other forms of criminality, and work closely with the Police in preventing crime.
He cautioned against taking the law into their own hands and encouraged members of the public to report suspicious activities through appropriate channels, stressing the message: “SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING.”
DrumAfricanews reports that the programme featured presentations on cultism and political thuggery, drug abuse, youth participation in crime prevention and the responsible use of social media.
Speakers included the Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development and Talent Hunt, Dr Emeka Mandela Ukaegbu; CPSO to the Governor, ACP Shaba Adamu; CEO, PAMTECH Group, Mr Chidomere Ndubisi; AC, XSQUAD, ACP Linus Nwaiwu; the Secretary of the Police Officers’ Wives Association; and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Electronics and New Media.
Participants were encouraged to resist manipulation and violence, support lawful crime-prevention efforts, and verify information before sharing it online, with the message: “THINK BEFORE YOU CLICK. VERIFY BEFORE YOU SHARE.”
A major highlight of the programme was an interactive Police–Youth Panel Discussion, which provided young people with an opportunity to ask questions, raise concerns and contribute to discussions on policing, security and youth development.
The event also featured a presentation by PAMTECH Group and an award presentation recognising distinguished young people for exemplary leadership, community service and responsible citizenship.
The programme brought together government officials, youth leaders, student representatives, social media influencers, civil society organisations, representatives of tertiary institutions, police officers and other stakeholders.
Among those in attendance were the Honourable Commissioner for Homeland Security and Vigilante Affairs, Hon. Modestus Osakwe; Special Adviser to the Executive Governor on Youth Affairs, Hon. Eric Uwakwe; Chairman, Police Community Relations Committee, Imo State Chapter, ably represented; Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Comrade Humphery Osuji; and representatives of organisations including CLEEN Foundation, Stand For Humanity Foundation and Alliance for Africa.
The Command appreciates all stakeholders, particularly the young people who participated actively in the dialogue, and reiterates its commitment to sustained Police–Youth engagement as part of efforts to prevent crime, promote peaceful coexistence and strengthen public confidence in policing.
As part of the continuing International Youth Day activities, the Command will hold a Novelty Football Match between the Imo State Police Command and Imo Youths on Friday, 21 August 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri. The activities will culminate in a Peace Walk on Saturday, 22 August 2026.
The Commissioner of Police therefore calls on the youths of Imo State to reject violence and criminality, embrace positive values, use social media responsibly, and work closely with the Police and other lawful authorities in safeguarding their communities.
