Crime Prevention Partners (CPP), Police Rally Parents to Combat Cultism and Drug Abuse

The Crime Prevention Partners (CPP), in collaboration with the Nigeria Police and PCRC of Iju Divisional Headquarters and Ifako-Ijaiye, has called upon parents and guardians to actively participate in the fight against cultism and drug abuse within their communities.

This call to action was emphasized during a workshop/campaign held on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at the NRC Building, Old Akute Road. Jude Ndoh, Chairman of the CPP, stated that the primary objective of the campaign is to combat cultism and drug abuse.

Ndoh stressed the importance of educating the public about the dangers and negative consequences associated with these social vices, specifically highlighting the need for parents and guardians to remain vigilant. He stated, “The campaign aims to raise awareness among parents and guardians about the harsh realities of cultism and drug abuse, while also promoting the empowerment of our youth to elevate their current and future socio-economic standards.”

During the event, lectures were delivered to outline the role that communities can play in assisting the police in addressing the menace of cultism and drug abuse. The first guest lecturer, Mr. Henry Bassey, Chairman of the Police Campaign Against Cultism, Drug Abuse, and Other Vices (POCACOV), emphasized the importance of parents being familiar with their children’s companions, teachers, and daily activities, urging them to remain attentive.

Bassey also advised students present at the event to be cautious about the company they keep and to avoid falling prey to cultism and drug abuse. He encouraged students to confide in their parents if they encounter any individuals pressuring them to join cult groups or engage in substance abuse. Bassey emphasized that parental responsibilities extend beyond financial support to include monitoring their children’s daily activities and movements.

As the second guest speaker, Mr. Frederick Thomas shared invaluable tips with parents and guardians on how to safeguard their children and wards against social vices. He highlighted that the reasons behind the growth of cultism and drug abuse include fear of survival, peer pressure, greed, lack, wants, and idleness.

Thomas emphasized the collective responsibility of protecting our children and wards from the grip of social vices. He called for vigilance and proactive guidance and support, so that our children may thrive in a world free from such destructive influences. Thomas stated, “Protecting our children and wards from the clutches of social vices is a responsibility we must embrace wholeheartedly. As Mr. Frederick Thomas astutely pointed out, the fear of survival, peer pressure, greed, lack, wants, and idleness continue to fuel the alarming rise of cultism and drug abuse among our youth. Let us be vigilant and proactive in providing guidance and support, so that our children may flourish in a world free from such destructive influences.”

In a concerted effort to steer young adults and children away from a life of crime, Cleen Foundation, in collaboration with CPP and other organizations, has announced the positive outcomes of its Brighter Future program. This initiative was specifically designed to rescue and rehabilitate children and young adults who had previously been involved in street activities, while also addressing the issues of cultism and drug abuse.

Omodara Oluwatomisin, Programme Assistant, proudly showcased the tangible results achieved through the skill acquisition program undertaken by the participants. These young individuals demonstrated their newly acquired skills, reflecting their growth and development through the program.

“The successful outcomes of the Brighter Future program are a testament to our collective dedication in guiding young adults and children towards a path free from crime.

“Through this initiative, we have been able to rescue and rehabilitate individuals who were once engaged in street activities, while also tackling the detrimental influences of cultism and drug abuse. Witnessing the remarkable progress of our participants, as showcased by Omodara Oluwatomisin, Programme Assistant, through their newfound skills, fills us with pride and reaffirms our commitment to building a brighter future for our youth.” Oluwatomisin disclosed.

The event was graced by the representative of Ifako-Ijaiye local government Chairman, Hon. Kolawole Bachel, Secretary to the Local government: Apostle Kehinde Showemimo, chairman, PCRC, Lagos: the Ifako-Ijaiye local government CDC Chairman, Pastor Samuel Opajobi; Oba elect of Iju Ogundimu, Oba Gbolahan Mathew, Regent of iju-ishaga representative, Cheif Kola Akinbami; Iyaloja general of Ifako-Ijaiye, Cheif Mrs Doyin Coker Juris Vilkorskis project manager, Biadribq Eurofortis; Olaolu Odeleye, Project manager, Deloris Mundo.

Also, present at the event were paramilitary organizations such as Nigeria Police Force, Immigration, Department of State Services (DSS), Lagos Neighborhood Safety Corps (LNSC), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), WAI brigades, Nigeria Association of Hunters, Coordinator, NYCN, Ifako-Ijaiye local government, students from selected schools in Ifako-Ijaiye LGA, market women among others