POCACOV Moves to Deepen Anti-Cultism Advocacy in Anambra Schools Through Education Ministry Partnership - Anambra Ministry of Education

By Obiageli Nwankwo

The Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), Anambra State Command, has sought the support of the Anambra State Ministry of Education to strengthen campaigns against cultism and other social vices among students across the state.

The appeal was made during an advocacy visit to the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ekene Longinus Ogugua, at the State Secretariat, Awka, ahead of the planned visit of the representative of the Inspector-General of Police and National Coordinator of POCACOV to Anambra State.

The delegation, led by the Traditional Ruler of Ifitedunu, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Ilouno, outlined activities lined up for the visit, including advocacy meetings with government institutions, school sensitisation programmes, interactive sessions with students and youth groups, stakeholder engagements, media campaigns and community outreach initiatives.

The delegation explained that the programmes are designed to curb cultism, substance abuse, cybercrime, bullying and other forms of anti-social behaviour through sustained public enlightenment and community participation.

Responding, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ekene Longinus Ogugua, lauded the Nigeria Police Force and POCACOV for adopting preventive measures to tackle crime rather than waiting for offences to occur.

He noted that education, value reorientation and youth empowerment remain critical tools in addressing the causes of criminal behaviour and assured the delegation of the ministry’s readiness to collaborate in implementing the campaign in schools across Anambra State.

The POCACOV team thanked the commissioner for the audience and reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders to promote positive values, responsible citizenship and a safer environment for young people.