The Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) lit up the grounds of the Police College, Ikeja, on May 31st, 2025, with a vibrant Children’s Day celebration that left an indelible impression on students, teachers, and community leaders. Themed “Every Right, Every Child,” the event was more than a festive gathering. It was a strategic movement to educate and empower young minds against the lure of cultism and societal vices.
The event began on a patriotic note with opening prayers, the national anthem, and goodwill messages delivered on behalf of Nigeria’s top police leadership. Representing the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, was AIG Adegoke Fayoade of Zone 2 Command, while ACP Vera Ameh-Akpa, Area Commander of Area G, Ogba, represented the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh Moshood. Both officials highlighted the importance of youth focused, preventive policing in securing a safer, more productive society.
Central to the day’s agenda was the formal introduction of POCACOV’s mission to the young audience ; a mission grounded in proactive, community driven efforts to eliminate cultism and other vices. One of the event’s most compelling moments came from Evangelist Osita Collins, a former cultist whose gripping testimony moved many students to reflect and resolve to follow a better path.
The program seamlessly blended education and entertainment. Students participated in enlightening games, debates, and quizzes, while enjoying music, motivational talks, and a parade display by police recruits. Generous corporate sponsors, mobilized through POCACOV’s expanding network, provided meals, snacks, and prizes, creating a wholesome and engaging atmosphere.
Among the senior officers in attendance were ACP Oloruntola Ibidun Omotola, Commandant of Police College Ikeja, and ACP Ajanaku Ibrahim Kayode of the Advanced Training Wing; both lending support to POCACOV’s grassroots mission.
National Coordinator of POCACOV, ACP Olabisi Okuwobi, emphasized the progress the campaign has made over the years. “If we remain deliberate and consistent, we will see a generation of youth rising above peer pressure and crime in record numbers,” she said.
Dr. Moses Oladimeji, Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of POCACOV and founder of Mosart Art Academy, described the event as a celebration of childhood, purpose, and promise. His words were echoed by traditional leader Chief Akeem Oladipupo Ojora, who represented Oba Fatai Aremu Aromire of Ojora and Ijora Kingdom. Chief Ojora stressed the need for parents, educators, and community leaders to model positive values and reinforce good choices from an early age.
Special recognition was also given to High Chief PK Chan, a strategic stakeholder and major contributor to POCACOV’s outreach to corporate bodies. His commitment has helped expand the reach of the campaign across institutions and industries.
Faith Morey, founder of the Okachi Charity Foundation, added a heartfelt note by encouraging children to value education and resist the pressure of criminal temptations. Her foundation continues to support youth development initiatives across Nigeria.
For the students who attended, the event was both exciting and enlightening. Many left with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to stay true to the values promoted by POCACOV, rooted in dignity, discipline, and positive choices.
