The Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), Lagos State Command, on Wednesday sensitised about 400 pupils of Police Children School, Ikeja, on the dangers of cultism, drug abuse and other social vices.
The programme, themed “Right Choices, Great Future,” was aimed at helping young learners make informed decisions that will positively shape their lives and future aspirations.
Speaking at the event, Mr Henry Bassey urged the pupils to be law-abiding and build open, trusting relationships with parents, teachers and responsible adults. He encouraged them to speak up whenever they face threats, abuse or situations that compromise their safety, rather than keeping such experiences to themselves.
On his part, mental health expert at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Dr Hezekiah Akinlade, delivered a detailed session on drugs and substance abuse. He explained how drug use can damage health, affect academic performance, strain relationships and derail future ambitions, urging the pupils to resist peer pressure and embrace healthy lifestyles.
POCACOV Coordinator in Lagos, SP Olivia A. Ugochukwu, in her address, stressed that the choices young people make today determine the future they build tomorrow. She advised the pupils to stay focused on education, choose friends wisely, respect parents and teachers, obey the law and avoid behaviours capable of jeopardising their safety and development.
The pupils showed enthusiasm and pledged commitment to making right choices. Head Teacher of the school, Dr Olayide Bilikis, thanked the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, for selecting the school as a beneficiary of the campaign.
The initiative is part of POCACOV’s preventive strategy of tackling cultism and other vices through early engagement, value reorientation and empowerment of young people to become responsible and productive citizens.
