By Uchenna Ezeadigwe
Awka
The Inspector-General of Police’s Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) team, led by the National Coordinator, SP Orvenonne Ikwen, on Thursday, July 30, 2026, held a stakeholders’ interactive session at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, Awka, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen preventive policing through strategic partnerships, youth engagement, and community participation.
The event brought together government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organisations, security agencies, educational institutions, civil society groups, community leaders, and other key stakeholders to deliberate on sustainable strategies for combating cultism, substance abuse, cybercrime, and other social vices affecting society.
Speaking at the event, SP Ikwen reaffirmed the Inspector-General of Police’s commitment to preventive policing as a proactive approach to crime reduction by addressing its root causes through advocacy, mentorship, value reorientation, and community collaboration. She also approved the establishment of POCACOV Clubs in schools across Anambra State and urged stakeholders to take ownership of the campaign by guiding young people towards productive ventures and responsible citizenship.
Representing the Anambra State Police Command, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, welcomed participants and stressed that effective security is a shared responsibility requiring the active support and collaboration of all segments of society. He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with communities in promoting peace, public safety, and sustainable development across the state.
The interactive session featured goodwill messages from representatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, women leaders, and other stakeholders. Participants also engaged in robust discussions on practical strategies for preventing youth involvement in crime, strengthening community resilience, and enhancing collaboration between the police and the public.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of a symbolic gift to the Inspector-General of Police by the Anambra State Town Unions Council Youth Wing (ASTUC Youth), led by Comrade Ken Okoli. The gesture underscored the group’s endorsement of the POCACOV initiative and its commitment to championing the campaign across Anambra State.
The Anambra State Police Command expressed appreciation to all stakeholders who participated in the programme and reiterated its commitment to supporting the POCACOV initiative in line with the Inspector-General of Police’s vision of building a safer and more secure society through preventive policing.
