Ogun State chapter of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices, POCACOV has intensified efforts to curb cultism, substance abuse and other social vices among young people through a large-scale sensitisation programme targeting secondary school students.
The initiative was carried out during the 2026 All Youth/Secondary Schools Leadership Summit, organised in partnership with The Global Citizens NG, where nearly 180 senior secondary school students drawn from six schools participated in leadership and anti-crime advocacy sessions.
Held at Star Diamond School Hall in Ifo, Ogun State, the summit brought together students, parents, school administrators and professionals from different fields in a collaborative effort to promote positive values and strengthen early intervention strategies aimed at preventing youth involvement in crime.
Speaking at the event, the Coordinator of POCACOV in Ogun State, Oluborode Opeyemi, said the programme aligns with the campaign’s “Catch Them Young” approach, which focuses on educating young people before they become vulnerable to criminal influences.
He warned students about the dangers of cultism, substance abuse and deceptive recruitment tactics often employed by criminal gangs and cult groups to lure young people into illegal activities.
Addressing the summit themed “Personal Leadership and its Role in Building a Safe and Secure Society,” Opeyemi urged participants to take responsibility for their decisions and personal development.
According to him, a lack of self-discipline and personal leadership often leaves young people susceptible to negative influences that can derail their future.
The event also featured presentations from notable speakers, including leadership expert Julius Osimen, who delivered the keynote address on global leadership principles.
Mental health advocate Florence Freddy and scholar Taiwo Oyedele also facilitated sessions focusing on emotional resilience, character development and responsible decision-making.
Participants engaged in interactive discussions and question-and-answer sessions designed to help them identify and resist behaviours associated with cultism, drug abuse and other forms of delinquency.
Parents and educators attending the summit were encouraged to strengthen monitoring and mentorship systems capable of identifying early warning signs of risky behaviour among students and guiding them toward positive alternatives.
The programme concluded with students taking a collective pledge to reject cultism, substance abuse and all forms of criminality.
The students also committed themselves to serving as peer advocates within their schools and communities, promoting positive values and contributing to safer learning environments.
