The Lagos State Coordinator of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), SP Olivia Ugochukwu, has called for stronger collaboration between POCACOV and the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development to enhance youth empowerment and intensify efforts against drug abuse and other social vices across the state.
The call was made during a courtesy visit by the POCACOV delegation to the Ministry, where they were received by the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Hon. Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, alongside Directors and Heads of Departments.
Speaking during the meeting, SP Ugochukwu outlined POCACOV’s preventive policing strategy, which focuses on advocacy, sensitization, mentorship, and community engagement to address cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime, violence, corruption, and other anti-social behaviours.
She explained that POCACOV’s intervention programmes complement the Ministry’s youth development agenda and align with the objectives of the Lagos State Kick Against Drug Abuse (LASKADA) initiative.
According to her, sustainable crime prevention can only be achieved through strategic partnerships involving government institutions, security agencies, educational institutions, faith-based organisations, corporate bodies, and community stakeholders.
She stressed that empowering young people with the right values, skills, and opportunities remains one of the most effective approaches to preventing crime and building safer communities.
Responding, the Commissioner, Hon. Ogunlende, and the Permanent Secretary commended POCACOV for its commitment to preventive policing and youth engagement.
They noted that the campaign’s objectives align with the Ministry’s vision for youth development and social inclusion, expressing the Ministry’s readiness to collaborate on programmes aimed at promoting responsible citizenship, preventing drug abuse, and supporting the holistic development of young people across Lagos State.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to building a sustainable partnership that will expand advocacy campaigns, strengthen youth-focused interventions, and contribute to creating a safer, healthier, and more productive society.
