LSSTF Launches Statewide Campaign Against Crime, Cultism, Drug Abuse Across Lagos' 57 LGAs and LCDAs

LSSTF Launches Statewide Campaign Against Crime, Cultism, Drug Abuse Across Lagos' 57 LGAs and LCDAs

The Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) has unveiled a statewide advocacy campaign aimed at preventing crime, cultism and drug abuse among youths across all 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas (LGAs/LCDAs) in Lagos State, beginning with Agege Local Government Area.

The Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) has announced the commencement of a statewide youth advocacy campaign to tackle crime, cultism, drug abuse and other social vices through its Campaign Against Crime, Cultism and Other Vices (LSSTF-CACCOV).

The initiative, which will kick off in Agege Local Government Area before extending to the remaining 56 LGAs and LCDAs across the state, is designed as a preventive, community-based intervention aimed at discouraging young people from engaging in criminal activities while promoting positive values and responsible citizenship.

Speaking on the initiative, the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of LSSTF, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, said the campaign reflects the agency's belief that sustainable security goes beyond arrests and prosecutions and must include proactive measures that address the root causes of crime.

According to him, security is most effective when crime is prevented before it occurs.

"Through LSSTF-CACCOV, we are taking a preventive, community-driven approach that empowers young people with the right values, information and opportunities to reject crime, cultism and illicit drugs before they become victims or perpetrators," he said.

Dr. Ogunsan noted that the advocacy campaign will bring together key stakeholders, including the Nigeria Police Force, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, local government and LCDA chairmen, traditional rulers, community leaders, faith-based organisations, youth groups, schools and other partners committed to strengthening public safety.

He stressed that building safer communities requires collective responsibility.

"No institution can build a secure society alone. When government agencies, communities, parents, schools and young people work together, we create an environment where crime struggles to thrive. That is the vision driving this statewide campaign," he added.

The LSSTF boss explained that the initiative complements Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's youth development agenda, which focuses on expanding opportunities through education, entrepreneurship, digital skills development, vocational training, sports and innovation.

He noted that the administration's investments in youth-focused programmes are helping to position young people as active partners in governance and sustainable development rather than passive beneficiaries of government policies.

LSSTF-CACCOV serves as the Security Trust Fund's flagship community engagement platform, mobilising residents—particularly young people—to support crime prevention through advocacy, sensitisation, volunteerism and collaboration with security agencies and community institutions.

The programme promotes civic responsibility, intelligence sharing, anti-drug awareness, peaceful coexistence and community resilience as part of broader efforts to reduce criminality across Lagos State.

The statewide advocacy campaign will be coordinated by the State Coordinator of LSSTF-CACCOV, Dr. Moses Oladimeji, who has spearheaded grassroots sensitisation programmes in tertiary institutions and communities across Lagos.

Under his leadership, the initiative has reached thousands of students and youths with campaigns against cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime, rape, gang violence and other criminal activities.

At the 2026 Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) Freshers' Orientation Programme, Dr. Oladimeji urged newly admitted students to shun destructive lifestyles and embrace discipline, hard work and purposeful living.

Using the life story of LSSTF Executive Secretary, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan—an alumnus of the institution who rose from humble beginnings to become a respected business leader and public servant—he encouraged students to understand that success is determined not by one's background but by the choices one makes.