POCACOV Marks Children’s Day with Nationwide Anti-Cultism Campaign in Over 20 Lagos Schools

POCACOV Marks Children’s Day with Nationwide Anti-Cultism Campaign in Over 20 Lagos Schools

By NAOSNP News Desk

The Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), a flagship advocacy initiative of the Nigeria Police Force, marked this year’s Children’s Day with a powerful anti-cultism and anti-violence message targeted at youths across Nigeria. The event, held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, featured activities in more than 20 schools across Lagos State and was replicated simultaneously in several states nationwide.

The initiative, designed to empower young Nigerians with the knowledge and skills to resist cultism, drug abuse, bullying, and other societal vices, has gained widespread recognition for its proactive, preventive policing approach. Since its launch under the leadership of Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, POCACOV has been at the forefront of youth-focused crime prevention efforts.

Addressing the Lagos leg of the celebration, Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, emphasized the growing impact of the campaign. “We have achieved significant progress in enlightening youths about the dangers of cultism, drug abuse, and other harmful behaviors. They must focus on education and personal development instead of engaging in self-destructive activities,” he stated.

He further urged students to report bullying and avoid any action that could derail their academic and personal growth. “Bullying leaves invisible scars. Victims must speak up, and perpetrators should abandon such negative behavior,” he advised.

Chairman of POCACOV in Lagos, Dr. Moses Oladimeji, reinforced the message with a heartfelt appeal. “Don’t allow social vices to destroy your future. Your potential is limitless—protect it,” he said, noting the various activities organized for the students, including debates, poetry, art competitions, and interactive sessions.

National Coordinator of POCACOV, ACP Olabisi Okuwobi, lauded the Inspector-General of Police for introducing preventive policing as a complementary strategy to law enforcement. “The IGP understands that arrest and imprisonment alone can’t solve our crime problem. We must address root causes. Through POCACOV, we’re shaping children today to make better choices tomorrow,” she explained.

Representing Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olorundare Jimoh Moshood, ACP Veronica Ameh-Akpa praised the initiative’s growing influence. “The consistency of this campaign is commendable. POCACOV is making lasting impact and winning hearts across communities.”

Traditional and civil society leaders also lent their voices to the campaign. Chief Hakeem Oladipupo Ojora, speaking on behalf of the Oba of Ijora, urged society-wide support for anti-cultism advocacy. “Our youth are our future. Everyone must be part of this movement,” he said.

Chaplain James Mercy Babatunmibi, President of the World Humanitarian Organization for Peace and Equity, and Faith Morey, founder of Okachi Charity Foundation, praised POCACOV for its community-oriented and youth-focused programming. Morey added, “We support POCACOV because it reaches vulnerable children who need guidance the most.”

In a moving testimony, Daniel Osita Collins, a reformed cultist and former national capon of a campus cult group, warned students against joining criminal gangs. “Cultism is a deadly trap. It destroys lives. I’m honored to join the police in saving youths from making the same mistakes I made,” he said.

The students themselves expressed gratitude for the life-changing experience. Praise Ifunanyachikwu of Labelle Comprehensive College said, “This program taught me how to avoid cultism and live a good life.” Mercy Boluwatife of Godman Senior Modern College added, “It showed us how to recognize and report bullying and resist peer pressure.”

Omaaka Joshua of Elite College summed it up: “Cultism is not for children. It will ruin your life before it even begins. Say no to cultism!”

The Children’s Day event reaffirmed POCACOV’s commitment to building a safer Nigeria through education, engagement, and prevention—and its growing relevance as a national force for youth empowerment and public safety.