Youth Engagement and Crime Prevention

Hundreds of teenagers and young adults in Ogun State have pledged to reject cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime, gang violence, and other social vices. This commitment followed a comprehensive sensitisation programme organised by the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) aimed at safeguarding the future of the state's youth population.

The interactive engagement took place during the Royal Ambassador Ogun Baptist Conference, Ephphatha 2026. According to the Ogun State Police Command, the programme was conducted in alignment with the vision of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and under the strategic leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni.

Addressing the Consequences of Social Vices

ASP Oluborode Opeyemi, the State Coordinator of POCACOV, led the sensitisation team and issued a stern warning regarding the long-term consequences of involvement in illicit activities. The team provided real-life insights to educate participants on how involvement in cultism, gang violence, and substance abuse can destroy promising careers and undermine the security of schools and residential communities.

During the session, Opeyemi emphasized that the influence of peers is a significant factor in youth criminality. He urged the participants to be deliberate in their associations and to make decisions that protect their futures. The discussion focused on the necessity of self-discipline, positive peer influence, and personal accountability as primary defenses against criminal recruitment.

Building a Network of Anti-Vice Ambassadors

The POCACOV team encouraged the youths to see themselves as vital stakeholders in the fight against social vices. By promoting early ethical leadership, the police command hopes to empower young people to become voices of reason within their social circles. The engagement was designed not only to highlight the dangers of crime but also to provide the knowledge required to resist external pressures.

At the conclusion of the programme, the participating youths collectively pledged to maintain high moral standards and serve as anti-vice ambassadors within their respective schools and communities. The Command noted that this commitment reflects the success of sustained preventive engagement in the ongoing effort to eradicate cultism and drug abuse among the youth.

POCACOV Ogun State has reaffirmed its dedication to continuous community policing and youth-focused outreach. The command intends to maintain a focus on early intervention and public awareness to ensure that young people are engaged constructively before they become vulnerable to criminal influences.