The Lagos State Police Command has extended its campaign against drug abuse, cultism and youth violence to schools in Ajao Estate, distributing 6,000 exercise books to pupils and students as part of efforts to promote education and discourage involvement in social vices.
The programme, organised by the Ajao Estate Police Division on Tuesday, November 10, brought together pupils and students from Ajao Estate Primary School, Junior Secondary School and Senior Secondary School for an awareness campaign focused on the dangers of drug abuse, cultism, sexual abuse and violence.
Held at the Ajao Estate Senior Secondary School field, the initiative was themed, “Building a Drug-Free and Violence-Free Generation: Protecting Our Children from Social Vices.”
The exercise combined discussions on youth safety and responsible behaviour with the distribution of learning materials, highlighting the role of community engagement in protecting children and supporting their educational development.
Welcoming participants, the Divisional Police Officer of Ajao Estate, CSP Agba Anna, emphasised the need for continuous engagement with young people to prevent their exposure to harmful activities and behaviours.
She identified drug abuse, sexual abuse, violence and cultism among the issues requiring attention and urged stakeholders to remain committed to guiding and protecting children.
The Command’s Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) Coordinator, SP Olivia Ugochukwu, also educated the students on the dangers of cultism, urging them to be careful about their friendships and the company they keep.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Ajao Estate Community Development Association, Mr Lakan Ogunyemi, encouraged the students to develop discipline and adopt peaceful ways of resolving disagreements.
He warned against bullying and intimidation, stressing that violence was not an acceptable means of settling disputes.
A total of 6,000 exercise books was distributed during the programme to support learning among the participating pupils and students.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, represented by the Commander, Area D, Mushin, ACP Bamidele Awoniyi, commended the Ajao Estate Police Division and its partners for the initiative.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to preventive policing and community-based interventions aimed at improving public safety and promoting the positive development of young people.
Awoniyi also urged community leaders, school authorities, parents and other stakeholders to sustain partnerships that would help protect children from drug abuse, cultism, violence and other social vices.
The initiative reflects the importance of early awareness, school-based engagement and collaboration between security agencies and local communities in addressing behaviours that can threaten the safety, wellbeing and future of young people.
