The Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, in partnership with the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices, has intensified efforts to combat cultism, drug abuse, and other social vices among students across Lagos State.
The sensitisation programme, held at the Idi-Araba School Complex in Lagos, brought together education officials, police authorities, and students as part of broader efforts to discourage violence, substance abuse, and criminal behaviour among young people.
According to a statement obtained on Sunday, the initiative forms part of ongoing collaboration between Education District VI and POCACOV to equip students with the awareness and resilience needed to resist harmful influences.
Addressing students during the programme, the Tutor-General and Permanent Secretary of Education District VI, Mojisola Yusuff, urged students to remain focused on their studies and personal development rather than giving in to peer pressure.
“Say yes to your studies, yes to growth, yes to greatness,” she told the students.
Yusuff encouraged students to embrace discipline, ambition, and self-confidence, stressing that every child possesses the potential for success.
She also warned against drug abuse, bullying, and other negative behaviours capable of damaging academic progress and future opportunities.
According to her, students must take responsibility for their actions and avoid choices that could derail their future.
Speaking at the event, the POCACOV Coordinator, SP Olivia Ugochukwu, warned students about the long-term consequences of cultism, drug abuse, and violent lifestyles.
Drawing from experiences encountered in the course of her work, Ugochukwu described many rehabilitation centres as environments similar to prisons that often leave lasting emotional and social scars on victims.
She urged students to avoid destructive peer groups and instead associate with positive role models capable of influencing their future constructively.
According to her, involvement in cult-related activities and substance abuse frequently leads to violence, imprisonment, and broken lives.
Also speaking, the Divisional Police Officer of Itire Police Station, CSP John Adeniran, warned that cultism discourages academic pursuit and exposes young people to criminal activities they may never have intended to commit.
He advised students to be careful about the friendships they keep and avoid bullying, secrecy, and negative peer influence.
“Say no to cultism, drug abuse, crime, and stealing, and commit to building a better future,” Adeniran said.
He further encouraged students to maintain open communication with parents and teachers whenever they face intimidation, pressure, or troubling situations.
The programme reflects growing concerns among authorities over the increasing vulnerability of young people to cult-related activities and substance abuse, particularly in urban communities.
Officials said the campaign is aimed not only at discouraging criminal behaviour but also at promoting discipline, confidence, and informed decision-making among students as part of wider efforts to strengthen youth development and public safety in Lagos schools.
