The Inspector-General(I-G) of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, has urged young people to shun cultism, drug abuse, and other social vices.
He gave this advice on Tuesday during a Ramadan lecture at the Ejigbo Local Council Development Area Secretariat, Lagos State.
The lecture, organised by the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), had its theme; “Name, Fame, and Shame: The consequences of one’s actions in the hereafter.”
According to Egbetokun, cultism is often linked to other crimes.
“Those involved in cultism are usually associated with organised crime groups engaged in drug abuse, rape, armed robbery, murder, kidnapping, and other offenses,” he said.
“Society today is plagued by crime, and unfortunately, a large percentage of these crimes are committed by young people.
“POCACOV was established to educate and sensitise them on the need to desist from such activities.
“It is not every time that we fight crime by carrying guns or raiding criminals; sometimes, it is more effective to educate and reform.
“If young people can stay away from these vices, we will have a better society.”
Egbetokun was represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations, DC Fatai Tijani.
The I-G also urged parents to collaborate with the police in addressing cultism and other crimes.
“The issue of name, fame, and the consequences of one’s actions begins at home. Parents play a crucial role in shaping their children’s future.
“No parent wants their family name to be tarnished, so they must guide their children along the right path to avoid bringing shame to their families.”
Speaking with journalists, the National Coordinator of POCACOV, ACP Olabisi Okuwobi, said the lecture aimed to provide young people with moral and spiritual insights to encourage positive behavioral change in society.
According to her, POCACOV is a non-kinetic policing initiative of the Nigerian Police Force, spearheaded by the I-G
“The IG believes that law enforcement alone cannot curb crime in Nigeria. That is why this initiative focuses on preventive policing, because prevention is better than cure.
“It is more effective to stop crimes before they happen rather than react after they occur.
“This non-kinetic approach aligns with the spirit of Ramadan, a sacred month when many refrain from criminal activities.
“Our message is simple: If you can say NO to crime during Ramadan, you should continue saying NO to it afterward because every action has consequences.”
Okuwobi also stated that youth willing to renounce crime would be supported through skill acquisition and scholarship programmes.
“For those ready to turn their lives around, we will provide empowerment opportunities, whether through skill training or mentorship.
“However, those who remain defiant will face legal consequences,” she warned.
“Beyond the Ramadan lecture, POCACOV plans to expand its outreach to various areas of socialisation.
“Our strategies include engaging schools, marketplaces, communities, churches, mosques, and other spaces to educate people about the dangers of cultism, crime, and organised criminal groups.
“We also aim to build resilience and self-confidence among young people, encouraging them to believe in themselves and pursue positive paths in life.
“POCACOV is not about making arrests or sending young people to jail.
“It is about helping them leave crime behind and become responsible citizens,” she said