The Ogun State Police Command recently extended its outreach initiative against cultism and societal misconduct to six local secondary schools. ASP Oluborode Opeyemi, the coordinator for the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), highlighted that the mission is designed to shield students from the risks of substance abuse, gang involvement, and predatory recruitment methods.
This outreach occurred during the All Youth/Secondary Schools Leadership Summit in the Ifo Local Government Area, hosted in collaboration with The Global Citizens NG. During the event, ASP Opeyemi emphasized the importance of self-governance, warning students that poor decision-making and a lack of personal direction make them susceptible to harmful external pressures.
The summit featured expert sessions from figures such as Dr. Julius Osimen, who focused on leadership principles, as well as mental health advocate Mrs. Florence Freddy and scholar Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, who provided guidance on character building and resilience. Additionally, the organizers called on parents and teachers to monitor students closely to detect and rectify problematic behaviors early.
The program concluded with over 170 senior secondary students committing to a pledge against criminal behavior, vowing to serve as advocates for safety and positive change within their respective environments.