By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has partnered with the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) and the Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) to commemorate the 2026 Children’s Day celebration with a sensitisation programme aimed at discouraging cultism, drug abuse and violence among youths.

The initiative, according to a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, SP Abimbola Adebisi, was held under the theme: “Your Future Is Not for Sale; Say No to Violence, Cultism and Drug Abuse.”

The programme took place at Iganmu Senior Secondary School, Lagos, and attracted students from public and private secondary schools across the Orile and Iganmu axis, alongside community leaders, educators, stakeholders and other dignitaries.

Speaking at the event on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, the Divisional Police Officer of Orile Division, CSP Ogunleti Phillips, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to preventive policing through advocacy, mentorship and enlightenment programmes targeted at young people.

Phillips said the police would continue to engage youths positively in order to curb crime and other social vices in the society.

The Executive Chairman of Apapa-Iganmu LCDA, Hon. Jimoh Olawale Saliu, commended the initiative and stressed the importance of sustained collaboration among government institutions, traditional rulers, communities and security agencies in promoting positive values among youths.

Also speaking, Chief Hakeem Oladipupo Ojora, the Bashorun of Ojora-Apapa Kingdom, who represented the Ojora of Ijora and Apapa Kingdom, Oba Abdulfatai Aromire, urged students to remain disciplined, focused and law-abiding in pursuit of their ambitions.

In her remarks, the Lagos State Coordinator of POCACOV, SP Olivia Amarachi Ugochukwu, advised the students to shun cultism, drug abuse, violence, fraud and other social vices capable of destroying their future.

She encouraged them to embrace discipline, hard work and positive associations to become responsible citizens.

The programme ended with students taking a pledge to be responsible and exemplary citizens committed to making positive choices for a better society.

The Lagos State Police Command reiterated its commitment to community-based policing, youth development and proactive measures aimed at ensuring a safer Lagos.