Odita Sunday 
By Odita Sunday
The Lagos State Police Command has taken its campaign against cultism, drug abuse and other social vices to the classroom, sensitising about 400 students of the Police Children School, Ikeja, on the consequences of wrong choices and the importance of responsible behaviour.
The sensitisation programme, organised through the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), was held on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, under the theme, “Right Choices, Great Future.”
The initiative focused on helping students recognise risky behaviours, resist negative peer influence and develop positive values capable of guiding their decisions as they grow.
Speaking during the programme, a member of POCACOV, Mr. Henry Bassey, urged the students to remain law-abiding and maintain open communication with their parents, teachers and other trusted adults.
He particularly encouraged them to speak up when confronted with threats, pressure or troubling experiences rather than keeping such situations to themselves.
A mental health expert from the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Dr. Hezekiah Akinlade, also engaged the students on the dangers associated with drug and substance abuse.
Akinlade warned the students about the consequences of falling into harmful habits and encouraged them to make healthy choices while resisting pressure from peers.
The POCACOV Coordinator, Lagos State, SP Olivia A. Ugochukwu, who spoke on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, urged the students to remain focused on their education and be deliberate about the company they keep.
Ugochukwu also advised them to respect their parents and teachers, obey the law and stay away from conduct capable of putting their education and future at risk.
The Command said the programme forms part of its preventive approach to tackling cultism, drug abuse and other social vices by engaging young people early and promoting positive values before they become vulnerable to harmful influences.
The police emphasised that early sensitisation and open communication with young people remain important tools in helping students make responsible choices and avoid behaviours that could jeopardise their future.
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