POCACOV MARKS CHILDREN'S DAY IN LAGOS THEMED “EVERY RIGHT, EVERY CHILD ”


POCACOV MARKS CHILDREN'S DAY IN LAGOS THEMED “EVERY RIGHT, EVERY CHILD ”

BY TAMAR ODIETE 

The Lagos State Chapter of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) marked this year’s Children’s Day with a vibrant and purpose-driven celebration on May 31st, 2025, at the Police College, Ikeja. Themed “Every Right, Every Child,” the event drew students from over 20 schools alongside royal fathers, senior police officers, key stakeholders, and well-meaning guests in support of youth development and societal reform.

The program commenced with opening prayers led by students, followed by the national anthem and formal speeches delivered on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh Moshood. Representing the IGP was AIG Adegoke Fayoade, AIG Zone 2 Lagos, while ACP Vera Ameh-Akpa, Area Commander, Area G, Ogba, stood in for the Lagos CP. Both speakers underscored the importance of youth-targeted preventive policing and the need to redirect young minds toward positive values.

A major highlight of the day was the formal introduction of the POCACOV initiative to students and guests, spotlighting its core mission to combat cultism and related vices through advocacy, awareness, and grassroots engagement. This message was driven home powerfully by Evangelist Osita Collins, a reformed cultist, who gave a stirring personal testimony that challenged students to choose a life of purpose over peer-driven crime.

The day was filled with a range of enriching and fun activities.
From a parade by police recruits and motivational talks to educational games, debates, quizzes, gift presentations, and refreshments sponsored by corporate partners. The event also featured commendations and awards to students who distinguished themselves in the day’s competitions.

Prominent officers in attendance included ACP Oloruntola Ibidun Omotola, Commandant of Police College Ikeja, and ACP Ajanaku Ibrahim Kayode, Assistant Commandant, Advanced Training Wing of the Police College, both of whom echoed strong support for the campaign’s long-term impact.

National Coordinator of POCACOV, ACP Olabisi Okuwobi, expressed optimism about the future, noting that “in five years, the number of Nigerian youths free from cultism and criminal influence will be astonishing  if we sustain this level of engagement.”

Also speaking, Dr. Moses Oladimeji, Chairman of the Lagos State POCACOV Chapter and founder of Mosart Art Academy, described the celebration as both a tribute to the promise of young people and a reminder to steer them towards positive life choices.

High Chief PK Chan, a notable stakeholder and key force behind POCACOV’s corporate outreach, was also recognized for his unwavering support in promoting the initiative to private sector institutions and helping secure partnerships that have expanded POCACOV’s reach.

Traditional authority was represented by Chief Akeem Oladipupo Ojora, standing in for Oba Fatai Aremu Aromire of Ojora and Ijora Kingdom, who praised the initiative as a critical wake-up call for parents, teachers, and community leaders. Faith Morey, founder of the Okachi Charity Foundation, further reaffirmed the importance of education and values-based mentorship in shaping tomorrow’s leaders.

The students, energized and inspired, described the event as impactful and pledged to uphold the ethics and values championed by POCACOV.



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