By Wale Ishola
The Oyo State Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) has urged students to shun cultism, drug abuse, bullying and other social vices, while calling for concerted efforts to end child marriage and protect the rights of the girl child.
The Oyo POCACOV team gave the advice during separate sensitisation programmes organised to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child and educate students on the consequences of immoral behaviour and the importance of good character.
Speaking at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Maryway, Ibadan, on Friday, the Oyo State POCACOV Coordinator, ASP Mary Ayisha Eriaremhien, called for an end to child marriage and increased investment in girls’ rights, in line with the theme of the celebration, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights.”
Eriaremhien said every girl deserved to grow up in a safe environment, receive quality education, enjoy her childhood and fulfil her potential.
She noted that child marriage could interrupt education, endanger health and deprive girls of opportunities to achieve their dreams.
The Oyo POCACOV coordinator described child marriage as a child protection concern requiring collective action from parents, traditional and religious leaders, educators, government institutions, civil society organisations and law enforcement agencies.
She urged stakeholders to challenge harmful cultural practices, support girls’ education and protect children from abuse and exploitation.
At Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan, where the sensitisation programme was also held, ASP Eriaremhien spoke on the consequences of immoral behaviour and the importance of good character.
She warned students against cultism, bullying, drug abuse, stealing, examination malpractice, sexual harassment and violence, noting that such behaviours could jeopardise their education and future.
She urged students to resist negative peer pressure, choose their friends carefully and seek help from trusted parents, teachers, counsellors or appropriate authorities whenever they faced difficulties.
She also encouraged them to respect others, avoid online harassment and report incidents of abuse, threats and bullying.
The Oyo POCACOV team called on parents, schools and communities to work together to create safe environments where young people could receive guidance, develop positive values and report threats without fear.
Eriaremhien stressed that protecting the girl child and discouraging harmful behaviour required sustained action, adding that investment in girls’ education, healthcare, mentorship and life skills would help build a safer and more equitable society.
In his message, the Commander of the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Oyo State Police Command, CSP Abiodun Giwa, advised students to promptly inform their parents or guardians, school authorities or security agencies whenever they are being coerced into joining unlawful groups.
Giwa also urged students to stand against crime in all its forms, stressing that criminal activities do not pay in the long run.
He encouraged them to embrace discipline, make responsible choices and avoid actions capable of damaging their future.
A student of Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Isaac Blessing, expressed gratitude to the Oyo POCACOV team for organising the enlightening programme, which she said educated students on the dangers of cultism and the appropriate people to approach when facing challenges or seeking help.
She also commended the team for celebrating the girl child and empowering girls to recognise their potential, speak up and defend their rights, while praying for God’s continued protection and strength for the officers.
