Ebonyi: NYCN Chairman Urges Youths to Shun Online Attacks as Nigeria Marks Youth Day

In commemoration of the Nigeria Youth Day celebration, the State Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ebonyi State Chapter, Hon. Comr. Douglas Ochishi, has urged young people to desist from using social media as a tool to attack or defame political leaders, especially as the nation moves toward the 2027 general elections.

Speaking with journalists in Abakaliki, Ochishi described the Youth Day as a moment to honour individuals whose contributions have advanced youth development across the country. He emphasized that the sacrifices of many Nigerians over the years have played a significant role in the emancipation and empowerment of the youth.

Ochishi expressed concern over the growing misuse of social media by young people, noting that the platforms though powerful are increasingly being deployed for negative purposes. “Today, it is easy for anyone to buy an Android phone and start writing anything,” he said. “But when we use our social media platforms, we shape the future of our country and our state. Recently, people have turned these platforms into battlefields, launching media wars and using people’s faces to push attacks. This is not good.” He warned that destroying a person’s image has more lasting consequences than damaging physical structures. “If you destroy a house, you can rebuild it. But when you destroy someone’s image, rebuilding it is not easy,” he stated, stressing that diplomatic and constructive approaches remain the best ways to correct leaders. As political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, the NYCN chairman cautioned youths against sparking conflict through harmful online comments, propaganda, and smear campaigns. “It is not good for you as a youth to ignite fire that you cannot quench,” he said. “This Youth Day should remind us to desist from political media calumny. Instead of attacking people, let us use social media to suggest solutions and address societal issues positively.” Ochishi further encouraged youths to embrace hard work, productivity, and personal development, commending Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for his empowerment programmes under the “People’s Charter of Needs.” He also acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed commitment to youth development. “As we celebrate this year’s Nigeria Youth Day, we must be hardworking and shun every form of social vice. Government is doing its part; we must support it and stop sabotaging efforts aimed at empowering young people,” he added.