No fewer than 180 senior secondary school students from six schools in Ogun State have joined an anti-cultism campaign, pledging to reject cultism, substance abuse and other social vices during a leadership summit held in Ifo.
The initiative was organised by the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices, Ogun State Command, in partnership with The Global Citizens NG, according to a statement on Saturday by the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi.
The summit, held at the Star Diamond School Hall, brought together students, parents, school administrators and professionals to promote early intervention against cultism and other forms of youth-related crime through the “Catch Them Young” initiative.
Speaking at the event, the Coordinator of POCACOV in Ogun State, ASP Oluborode Opeyemi, warned participants about the dangers of cultism, substance abuse and deceptive gang recruitment tactics.
He urged the students to embrace self leadership and make responsible decisions, noting that a lack of self discipline could expose them to negative influences.
According to him, “Personal leadership is the foundation of a safe and secure society. Young people must take control of their choices, thoughts and actions to avoid being lured into cultism and other social vices.”
The summit, themed, “Personal Leadership and its Role in Building a Safe and Secure Society,” also featured presentations by Dr Julius Osimen, who spoke on global leadership principles, while Mrs Florence Freddy and Mr Taiwo Oyedele delivered sessions on mental health, psychological resilience and character development.
The organisers also engaged students in an interactive question and answer session, while parents and teachers were encouraged to establish early intervention monitoring systems to identify and guide students displaying vulnerable behavioural patterns.
The event ended with a mass pledge by the students to reject criminality, cultism and substance abuse, while committing themselves to becoming peer advocates for positive values and safer communities.
