LSSTF Launches Statewide Campaign Against Cultism, Drug Abuse, Youth Violence

LSSTF Launches Statewide Campaign Against Cultism, Drug Abuse, Youth Violence

Ikeja, Lagos – February 27, 2026 — The Lagos State Security Trust Fund  (LSSTF) has launched a major community-based initiative aimed at tackling cultism, drug abuse, crime, and youth violence across Lagos State.

The initiative, named the Lagos State Security Trust Fund Campaign Against Crime, Cultism and Other Vices (LSSTF-CACCOV), was officially unveiled on Friday at the Fund’s headquarters in Alausa, Ikeja, by the Executive Secretary/CEO of LSSTF, .

Speaking at the launch, Ogunsan stressed that sustainable security in Lagos cannot rely solely on enforcement operations. He explained that LSSTF-CACCOV was designed to address the root causes of insecurity through education, advocacy, mentorship, and stronger community engagement

According to him, cultism and related vices thrive where young people lack guidance, structured engagement, and credible role models. The campaign will therefore focus on value reorientation programmes, school outreach, community walks, and partnerships involving families, schools, traditional institutions, faith-based organisations, civil society groups, and security agencies.

“Our vision is to foster a secure, peaceful, and crime-resistant Lagos where young people are empowered to thrive as responsible and productive citizens,” Ogunsan said. “Our mission is to combat cultism, drug abuse, and violent crimes by reshaping youth mindsets, strengthening community partnerships, and promoting preventive advocacy initiatives that create safer neighborhoods across the state.”

He clarified that LSSTF-CACCOV is not a law enforcement body and does not replace conventional policing. Rather, it complements ongoing security operations by focusing on prevention and early intervention.

“When communities are informed, engaged, and empowered, they become the first line of defense against crime,” he added, reaffirming the Fund’s commitment to supporting security agencies with operational resources while investing in long-term preventive strategies.

Ogunsan also inaugurated a seven-member committee to oversee the implementation of the campaign. Dr. Moses Oladimeji was appointed as the state coordinator.

In his acceptance remarks, Oladimeji described the initiative as timely, noting Lagos’ status as Nigeria’s economic hub and the growing challenge of youth involvement in drugs and crime.

“We believe we can do better by engaging young people, understanding their realities, and connecting them to vocational opportunities where they can develop skills and become productively engaged,” he said. He added that the committee aims to support hundreds of young beneficiaries to showcase their products and services at the LSSTF Town Hall meeting later in the year.

Other members of the LSSTF-CACCOV committee include Uzezi Akinwoleola (Assistant State Coordinator/General Secretary), Nathaniel Olugbogi (Head, Digital Communication, Strategy and Technology), Prominence Promise (Head, Human Resources and Training), Joseph Akinwoleola (Head, Education, Advocacy and Empowerment), Taiwo Idris (Head, Media, Press and Public Relations), and Mesole Emmanuel (Head, Community Outreach and Programs).

The LSSTF said the campaign represents a shift toward preventive security strategies designed to build safer, more resilient communities and create an enabling environment for young people to thrive productively across Lagos State.