POCACOV Sensitises Lagos Students Against Cultism, Drug Abuse During Police Week 2026
By Arikawe Femi
As part of activities marking National Police Day 2026, the Lagos State team of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), on Day Three of the celebration, sensitised students on the dangers of cultism, drug abuse, and other social vices.
No fewer than 500 students from 22 secondary schools across Isolo and neighbouring communities participated in a sensitisation programme organised under the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) as part of Police Week 2026. The event, held at Metropolitan Senior College, brought together officials of the Nigeria Police Force and education stakeholders in a coordinated effort to address the growing concerns of cultism, drug abuse, and other social vices among youths.
Lagos State Coordinator of POCACOV, Ogochukwu Olivia, described the initiative as a proactive, non-kinetic strategy aimed at preventing crime before it occurs. She explained that the campaign, an initiative of the Inspector-General of Police, focuses on engaging young people through direct sensitisation in schools and communities.
“We are not waiting for crimes to be committed. We go directly to the youths to educate them on the dangers of cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime, and other social vices, and how these can affect their future and society,” she said.
According to her, the programme is conducted with the approval of the Ministry of Education and is held across districts on a regular basis.
Delivering a lecture on the theme, “The Future is Ours: Standing Against Social Vices – Empowering Students to Make Responsible Choices for a Better Society,” Chief Superintendent of Police, Agboola P. O., urged students to take responsibility for their future. CSP Agboola represented the Area D Commander, who deputised for the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai psc, and stressed that discipline, education, and informed choices are critical to achieving success.
“Your future is in your hands. What you become tomorrow depends on the decisions you make today. It is not by words, but by your commitment to your studies and your character,” he said.
He added that the outreach forms part of the police’s core mandate of crime prevention. CSP Agboola also warned students against engaging in drug abuse, cultism, and other criminal activities, noting that such behaviours have long-term consequences on individuals and society.
“Drug abuse affects the brain and the body. The more you indulge in it, the more harm you cause to yourself,” he cautioned.
He further advised students to avoid negative peer influence and report suspicious activities to appropriate authorities.
In her remarks, delivered on behalf of the District Counsellor, Education District VI, Mojisola, Miss Omotuyole Olufunke Grace commended the organisers and emphasised the urgency of tackling drug abuse among young people.
“Drug abuse has become widespread in our society. Programmes like this are essential to educating and protecting the younger generation,” she said.
She urged the students to serve as peer educators by sharing the knowledge gained with others in their schools, homes, and places of worship.
“Take this message beyond this venue. Let others learn from you and make informed choices,” she added.
Some of the students who participated in the programme said it had a positive impact on their perspectives. Tina, a student of Metropolitan Senior College, said the session reinforced the importance of good conduct.
“We have learned to avoid social vices, be good ambassadors of our schools, and make our parents proud,” she said.
Another student, Olajide Daniel of Isolo Senior Secondary School, highlighted the importance of positive peer influence.
“We should associate with friends who have positive values and listen to our parents’ advice,” he noted.
The participating schools included Ansar-ud-Deen Comprehensive Senior and Junior High Schools, Metropolitan Senior and Junior Colleges, Isolo Senior and Junior Secondary Schools, Okota Senior and Junior Secondary/High Schools, Central Senior and Junior High Schools, Matori Senior Grammar School, Okota Senior and Junior Grammar Schools, Ijeshatedo Senior and Junior Grammar Schools, Ajumoni Senior and Junior Grammar Schools, Ilamoye Junior Grammar School, Eko Junior Grammar School, and Ire-Akari Junior Grammar School.
Stakeholders at the event called for sustained collaboration between the police, schools, and communities, stressing that continuous sensitisation remains key to addressing the rising incidence of social vices among youths.
The event also had a special moment as the Lagos State POCACOV Coordinator, Ogochukwu Olivia, celebrated her birthday. The POCACOV team surprised her with gifts, and the students joined in the celebration, sharing in the joy of the occasion. The children were delighted to witness the celebration, adding a personal and festive touch to the day’s programme.
