To tackle crime through prevention rather than enforcement alone, the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF is set to commence a statewide advocacy campaign against crime, cultism, drug abuse and other social vices across Lagos communities.
The initiative, which will be implemented through the LSSTF Campaign Against Crime, Cultism and Other Vices, will begin in Agege Local Government Area before extending to all 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.
The programme is designed as a preventive, non-kinetic intervention aimed at addressing the root causes of criminality by promoting positive values among young people and discouraging involvement in cultism, illicit drug use, youth violence and other anti-social behaviours.
Speaking on the initiative, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of LSSTF, Ayodele Ogunsan, said sustainable security can only be achieved when governments invest in prevention alongside conventional law enforcement.
According to him, the campaign seeks to empower young people with the information, values and opportunities needed to reject crime before they become victims or perpetrators.
“Security is most effective when we stop crime before it happens. 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,” Ogunsan said.
He explained that the initiative would involve collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Nigeria Police Force, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, local government authorities, traditional rulers, religious organisations, youth groups and educational institutions.
Ogunsan stressed that crime prevention requires collective responsibility and active community participation.
“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 initiative aligns with the youth development agenda of Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, whose administration has implemented various programmes aimed at empowering young people through entrepreneurship, digital skills development, vocational training, innovation and employment opportunities.
LSSTF-CACCOV, the flagship community engagement platform of the Security Trust Fund, has over the years focused on mobilising residents, particularly young people, as active partners in crime prevention and public safety.
The programme promotes anti-drug awareness, civic responsibility, peaceful coexistence, intelligence sharing and community resilience through advocacy campaigns, sensitisation programmes and stakeholder engagement.
The statewide campaign will be coordinated by Moses Oladimeji, who has led several grassroots advocacy initiatives targeting students and youths across Lagos.
Under his leadership, LSSTF-CACCOV has expanded its reach across tertiary institutions and communities, educating thousands of young people on the dangers of cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime, rape, gang violence and other criminal activities.
At the 2026 freshers’ orientation programme of Yaba College of Technology, Oladimeji urged students to reject destructive lifestyles and embrace discipline, hard work and purposeful living.
Drawing inspiration from the life story of Ogunsan, an alumnus of the institution, he highlighted how determination and positive choices can transform lives regardless of one’s background.
