In a proactive effort to curb the rising tide of youth involvement in social vices, the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), Lagos State Chapter, hosted an impactful sensitization program at Metropolitan Senior College, Isolo, Lagos. The event, themed “The Future is Ours: Standing Against Social Vices,” brought together students, educators and community stakeholders in a unified call for responsible living and societal transformation.
The program commenced with a vibrant introduction of student representatives from over twenty schools across the district, reflecting a strong collaborative spirit among educational institutions. Representatives of PCRC community, teachers, school counselors and district officials were also in attendance, underscoring the importance of collective responsibility in shaping the moral compass of young people.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, the Area Commander of Area ‘D’, ACP Bamidele Awoniyi, represented by CSP E. O. Agboola, charged students to take ownership of their future by making informed and responsible decisions. He emphasized that social vices carry inevitable consequences that are legal, moral and physical; he warned against behaviors such as cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime, examination malpractice and other forms of delinquency.
In a tone that blended caution with inspiration, he encouraged students to remain focused on their studies, cultivate discipline and develop a clear sense of purpose. He also introduced them to the diverse career opportunities within law enforcement, urging those with interest to consider contributing to national security through various professional pathways.
Reinforcing this message, the District 6 representative advised students to adhere strictly to school regulations and national laws, particularly cautioning against drug abuse and peer pressure. Similarly, the Lagos State POCACOV Coordinator, SP Olivia Ugochukwu, expanded on the theme by highlighting real-life success stories of Nigerians who achieved greatness through discipline and integrity, especially within the police force.
Adding a broader community perspective, Prince Olaoluwa Akintoye, representing the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) from Abuja, appealed to the students to remain proud of their backgrounds and resist the temptation to engage in vices as a shortcut to success.
Honorable Fatoye, a Councillor from Ojodu LCDA, commended POCACOV’s non-kinetic policing strategy, describing it as a forward-thinking approach to crime prevention. He praised the students for serving as ambassadors of their respective schools and encouraged them to remain steadfast in both their academic and moral pursuits. He further advised them to avoid negative influences and embrace values that foster long-term success.
A major highlight of the event was a compelling drama presentation by students of Metropolitan Senior College. The performance vividly depicted the devastating effects of drug abuse, cultism and other social vices, leaving a lasting impression on the audience and reinforcing the day’s key messages.
The sensitization program stands as a testament to the growing emphasis on preventive policing and youth engagement. By equipping young minds with knowledge, values and direction, initiatives like POCACOV are not only addressing present challenges but also laying the foundation for a safer, more responsible society.
