Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF, Dr. Ayo Ogunsan, has launched a major public campaign aimed at curbing crime, cultism, drug abuse and youth violence across the state.
The initiative, known as the Lagos State Security Trust Fund Campaign Against Crime, Cultism and Other Vices, LSSTF-CACCOV, was unveiled on Friday at the Fund’s office in Alausa, Ikeja.
Speaking at the launch, Ogunsan said sustainable safety in Lagos requires more than enforcement-driven measures. He explained that the new campaign is designed to tackle the root causes of insecurity through education, advocacy, mentorship and stronger community structures.
According to him, cultism and related vices thrive where young people lack guidance, positive engagement and credible role models.
He noted that the initiative will focus on value reorientation, school outreach programmes, community walks and multi-stakeholder partnerships involving families, schools, traditional rulers, faith-based organisations, civil society groups and security agencies.
Ogunsan stressed that LSSTF-CACCOV is not a substitute for conventional law enforcement but a complementary preventive strategy. He added that informed and empowered communities remain the first line of defence against crime.
A seven-member committee was inaugurated to drive the initiative, with Dr. Moses Oladimeji appointed as State Cordinator.
In his acceptance remarks, Oladimeji described the programme as timely, noting concerns over youth involvement in drugs and other social vices.
He said the committee would focus on engagement, skills development and connecting young people to vocational opportunities, with plans to showcase beneficiaries at the Fund’s town hall meeting later in the year.
