The Secretary to Anambra State Government (SSG), Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake
has applauded the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) initiative, describing it as a timely and proactive approach to tackling cultism and other social vices through advocacy in the State.
The government also reaffirmed its readiness to partner with the initiative to strengthen sensitisation efforts and safeguard the future of Anambra’s youths.
Mrs. Nnake, made this known when she received members of the Anambra State chapter of POCACOV, led by officials of the Anambra State Police Command, at the Light House, Awka.
Speaking during the visit, the Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, described POCACOV as a non-kinetic initiative of the Nigeria Police Force aimed at preventing crime by educating young people and the public on the dangers of cultism, drug abuse and other social vices.
He explained that the visit was to formally introduce the POCACOV office to the Anambra State Government, seek collaboration and sponsorship for its advocacy programmes, and explore areas of partnership in addressing cultism and related crimes in the state.
Ikenga disclosed that POCACOV has a national body headquartered in Abuja and led by CSP Onome, PhD, who works directly with the Inspector-General of Police. He noted that the Anambra chapter is coordinated by the traditional ruler of Nawfia Community, His Majesty Igwe Amb. Dr. Daniel Obelle, alongside a seven-member state committee.
According to the PPRO, the organisation plans to embark on intensive sensitisation campaigns in both public and private schools across Anambra State, particularly during the long vacation in August. He added that the campaign would also target women during the forthcoming August Meetings in communities across the state.
He further revealed that POCACOV has structures in all the 54 police divisions and eight area commands in Anambra State, giving it a wide reach for grassroots advocacy and community engagement.
Responding, the Secretary to the State Government commended the initiative, describing cultism as a growing menace that has claimed the lives of many young people, largely due to ignorance and negative peer influence.
Mrs. Nnake assured the delegation of the Soludo administration’s willingness to identify with and support initiatives that promote peace, security and the well-being of Ndi Anambra.
She stressed that tackling cultism requires the collective efforts of all stakeholders and recommended that churches be actively involved in the advocacy campaign because of their significant influence on families and the youth. She also encouraged POCACOV to work closely with traditional rulers, Presidents-General of communities and educational institutions to ensure the anti-cultism message reaches every segment of society.
The visit ended with a shared commitment by both the Anambra State Government and the Nigeria Police Force to strengthen collaboration in preventing cultism and other social vices through continuous public enlightenment and community-based interventions.
