By Nna Anulumadu
As the 2027 general elections draw nearer, Dr. Nelson Omenugha, mnipr, Special Adviser to Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo on Youth Reformation, has urged youths in Anambra State to resist any attempt to be used as weapons in the hands of desperate politicians.
Dr. Omenugha made the call on Wednesday, August 19th, 2026, during a radio programme while addressing the question: “How can Nigerian youths become part of the solution to violence-free campaigns?”
“My message was clear: our youths must refuse to be used as weapons in the hands of desperate politicians. We must move from being instruments of political violence to becoming agents of peace, responsible citizenship, and democratic progress,” he said.
“Young people must understand that elections are temporary, but the consequences of violence can last a lifetime. We need youths who will campaign with ideas, disagree without hatred, protect one another, reject political thuggery, and use their energy to build — not destroy — our homeland.”
Later in the day, Dr. Omenugha paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barr. Chijioke Oseloka Ojukwu.
During the meeting, both officials explored opportunities for deeper collaboration in advancing youth reformation and strengthening the fight against drug abuse, prostitution, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality.
“We reaffirmed that the fight against criminality requires more than arrests after crimes have been committed. We must disrupt the ecosystem that enables crime to thrive,” Dr. Omenugha stated.
This, he said, includes identifying criminal networks, shutting down spaces and properties used to facilitate criminal activities, and ensuring that properties established or used for such purposes are liable to demolition and forfeiture in accordance with the law.
“But government cannot do it alone. Communities and citizens have a role to play,” he added.
“We encourage young people, landlords, community leaders, and residents to provide credible information about criminal activities within their neighborhoods. Sources of useful intelligence will be protected, confidentiality guaranteed, and appropriate rewards provided.”
Dr. Omenugha reiterated that the Soludo administration remains committed to building a safer Anambra where youths are empowered to be productive rather than being lured into violence and crime, especially during the electioneering period.
