The Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) held a large-scale sensitization programme at Iganmu Senior High School in Lagos to mark Children’s Day, intensifying its grassroots push against youth crime and substance abuse. Themed “Your Future Is Not For Sale; Say No to Cultism and Hard Drugs,” the event brought together students from 13 secondary schools, security officials, educators, health professionals, traditional rulers and local government representatives. The outreach responds to growing concern over young people’s exposure to cultism, drug abuse, and other vices that threaten education and social development.
Speaking on behalf of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani, the Divisional Police Officer, Orile Iganmu Police Division, Chief Superintendent of Police, Ogunleti Oluwaseun Phillips said POCACOV serves as a non-kinetic strategy focused on prevention, education, and youth engagement rather than enforcement alone. POCACOV Lagos Coordinator, Superintendent of Police Olivia Ugochukwu explained that the campaign goes beyond school programmes, working regularly with PTAs, school authorities, and parents to raise awareness of harmful influences. She urged students to reject crime and drug abuse as shortcuts, stressing that such paths often lead to addiction, broken ambitions, and long-term consequences.
Apapa-Iganmu LCDA Chairman Hon. Dr. Jimoh Olawale Saliu said the council is expanding mentorship, debate, and after-school programmes to keep students engaged and reduce local crime rates. Mental health practitioner Dr. Akinlade Olatubosun educated students on recognizing drug abuse and addiction, encouraging them to seek healthy support systems. The event ended with interactive sessions aimed at steering young people toward education, discipline, and responsible citizenship.
