The Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, in collaboration with the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices, has intensified efforts to combat cultism, drug abuse and related social vices among students, warning that destructive behaviours could derail the future of young people across the state.

The sensitisation programme, held at the Idi-Araba School Complex in Lagos, brought together education officials, police authorities and students in what organisers described as a broader intervention aimed at steering youths away from violence, substance abuse and criminality.

The initiative, according to a statement obtained by media on Sunday, forms part of ongoing efforts by Education District VI and POCACOV to equip students with the awareness and resilience needed to resist harmful influences.

Addressing students at the event, the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary of Education, District VI, Mojisola Yusuff, urged them to remain focused on their education and personal development, rather than succumbing to peer pressure and harmful behaviour.

“Say yes to your studies, yes to growth, yes to greatness,” she said, encouraging the students to embrace discipline, ambition and self-belief.

Yusuff stressed that every child possesses the capacity for success, reminding the audience that they were all “meant to be great.”

She also cautioned against drug abuse, bullying and other negative conduct capable of undermining academic progress and future opportunities, while urging students to take personal responsibility for their choices.

The POCACOV Coordinator, SP Olivia Ugochukwu, warned about the long-term consequences of cultism, drug abuse, and violent lifestyles, describing many rehabilitation facilities as environments that mirror incarceration and leave lasting emotional and social scars.

Drawing on personal experiences encountered in the course of her work, she warned students against associating with destructive peer groups and urged them to choose positive role models who can shape their future constructively.

Ugochukwu said involvement in cult-related activities and substance abuse often leads to violence, broken lives and imprisonment, adding that many young people fail to realise the gravity of such decisions until it is too late.

Also speaking, the Divisional Police Officer of Itire Police Station, CSP John Adeniran, warned that cultism not only destroys lives but also discourages academic pursuit and exposes young people to criminal behaviour they may never have intended to commit.

He urged students to be deliberate about the company they keep, warning against bad friendships, bullying and secrecy.

“Say no to cultism, drug abuse, crime, and stealing, and commit to building a better future,” Adeniran told the students.

He further encouraged them to maintain open communication with parents and teachers whenever they encounter pressure, intimidation or troubling situations.

The programme reflects growing concern among authorities over the vulnerability of young people to cult-related activities and substance abuse, particularly within urban communities.

Officials said the campaign is intended not only to discourage criminal behaviour but also to promote confidence, discipline and informed decision-making among students as part of wider efforts to strengthen youth development and public safety across Lagos schools.