By Gbemiga Olamikan.
The Nigeria Police Force has inaugurated an anti-crime outreach program at the Jiwa Town Hall in Jiwa Town, Abuja, as part of efforts to intensify community-based anti-crime policing strategies. This is a pogramme put together by the Police Campaign Against Cultism & Other Vices (POCACOV) themed “Breaking the Circle: Parental Responsibility in Preventing Youth Crime”, aims to address critical social issues impacting our youth and foster a more resilient community.
The event that gathered over 500 participants which included parents, local leaders, and youth representatives, served as a platform for discussion, learning, and engagement on implementing targeted strategies to combat pressing issues such as cultism, drug misuse and abuse, as well as other social vices which threatens the well-being of our youth.
Youth development and rehabilitation programs and skill acquisition projects were also introduced to equip youths with constructive alternatives to criminality and fostering self-sufficiency within the community. Various palliatives like food stuff, educational kits, clothing, food stuff, other household items and materials were also distributed during the outreach.
Addressing the participant representative of the Inspector-General of Police, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi who is also Force Public Relation Officer emphasized the intent of the Police to encourage a collaborative spirit among all members of various communities with a focus on the importance of parental responsibility and proactive measures in youth crime prevention. Adejobi said by bringing together diverse stakeholders and facilitating meaningful dialogue will create a safer and more supportive environment for the youth and families, as a microcosm of the society.
