Students pledge to reject cultism, substance abuse at Ogun youth summit

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

About 180 senior secondary school students from six schools in Ogun State have pledged to reject cultism, substance abuse and other social vices following an anti-cultism advocacy campaign organised by the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), Ogun State Command.

The commitment was made during the 2026 All Youth/Secondary Schools Leadership Summit held at the Star Diamond School Hall, Ifo, where POCACOV partnered with The Global Citizens NG to sensitise students, parents and educators on the dangers of cultism and criminal behaviour.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi.

According to the statement, the summit formed part of POCACOV’s non-kinetic strategy aimed at preventing crime through early intervention and youth engagement under its “Catch Them Young” initiative.

Speaking at the event, the Coordinator of POCACOV, Ogun State Command, ASP Oluborode Opeyemi, said the campaign was designed to combat cultism, substance abuse and deceptive gang recruitment tactics among young people.

Aligning his remarks with the summit’s theme, “Personal Leadership and its Role in Building a Safe and Secure Society,” Oluborode urged students to take responsibility for their choices and actions.

He said, “The initiative directly combats the dangers of cultism, substance abuse and deceptive gang recruitment tactics.”

The police officer warned that a lack of self-leadership could expose young people to negative influences capable of derailing their future.

The statement added that keynote speaker, Dr. Julius Osimen, spoke on global leadership principles, while mental health advocate, Mrs. Florence Freddy, and scholar, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, delivered presentations on psychological resilience and character development.

It further stated that following an interactive session, parents and teachers were encouraged to establish early-intervention monitoring systems to identify and guide students showing vulnerable behavioural patterns.

According to the police, the summit ended with students taking a solemn pledge to reject criminality and serve as peer advocates for positive values and safer school communities.