The Ogun State Chapter of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) and the Nigeria Initiative of Change (NIC) have joined forces to combat the menace of drug abuse and cultism among youths in Ogun State.
The initiative, aimed at preventing the spread of illicit substances and cultism, was launched at a workshop held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
The event brought together stakeholders, including security agencies, community leaders, and opinion leaders, to discuss strategies for ending the menace.
Speaking at the workshop, the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, represented by DSP Folasade Oluwole, emphasised the need for collective action to combat drug abuse and cultism, describing it as a major crime in Nigeria, especially among youths.
“The engagement should not be limited to just stakeholders; it has a significant impact from top to bottom among students,” Oluwole said.
“We must educate our children and communities about the dangers of drug abuse and cultism.”
The Chairman of PCRC in Ogun, Venerable Samson Kunle Popoola, stressed the importance of stakeholders’ engagement in promoting a peaceful society and community.
He emphasised the need to tackle the demand and supply of drugs and the harbouring of cultists, which fuels criminality.
A former Commissioner of Police in Ogun, Edward Ajogun, noted that statistics show a decline in drug abuse and cultism in the state, attributing it to the efficiency of security agencies.
He recommended increased focus on border areas and inter-agency collaboration to further curb the menace.
The NDLEA representative, Morakinyo Oluseyi, highlighted the persistence of drug activity, citing high arrest numbers and seizures, especially in 2024.
The workshop resolved to replicate the campaign against drug abuse and cultism in communities, churches, and associations, to promote a safer and more peaceful society.
Meanwhile, the administrative manager of Nigeria Initiative of Change Opara Julius advocated for more collaboration and empowerment of relevant agencies by government to end endemic challenge of drugs abuse and cultism among the youth.
He stated that their foundation has impacted over 300 youth positively across the country while also bridging the gap between the police and community.