The Ogun State Police Command has sensitised students of Abeokuta Girls’ Grammar School (AGGS) and Baptist Girls’ College, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, on the dangers of child marriage, cultism, drug abuse and other social vices as part of activities marking the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child.
The campaign, led by the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), was organised under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, and aligned with the global theme, “End Child Marriage & Invest in Girls’ Rights.”
The POCACOV State Coordinator, ASP Opeyemi Oluborode, who led the outreach, spoke on the topic, “Breaking Boundaries: Shaping the Future of the Girl Child.”
Addressing students, school administrators and staff, Oluborode highlighted the importance of gender equality, access to education and the protection of girls from child marriage, discrimination, abuse and other harmful practices.
He also drew attention to legal safeguards for children, including the Child Rights Act as domesticated in relevant jurisdictions.
The police officer urged the students to draw inspiration from Nigerian women who have excelled in various professional fields, stressing that gender should not prevent them from achieving their ambitions.
He identified education, discipline, self-confidence and determination as essential ingredients for personal development and national progress, encouraging the girls to pursue their aspirations with integrity and purpose.
The students were also warned about the dangers of cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime, negative peer influence and other social vices capable of jeopardising their education, personal safety and prospects.
Oluborode encouraged them to reject child marriage, speak out against abuse and seek help from trusted adults and relevant authorities whenever their rights or safety were threatened.
In response, the students pledged to shun social vices, resist child marriage, uphold their rights and responsibilities, and remain committed to academic excellence.
The management of both schools commended the police for the sensitisation exercise, describing it as an important contribution to child protection and youth development.
The Principal of Baptist Girls’ College, Mrs Osunbara, and the Vice Principal (Administration) of AGGS, Mrs A. Akeweje, who represented the school’s principal, expressed appreciation to Ojajuni for prioritising the welfare of schoolchildren and strengthening engagement between the police and educational institutions.
The senior prefects of both schools also thanked the police and assured the command of the students’ commitment to the lessons learnt during the programme.
Ojajuni said protecting children and empowering young people remained important components of effective crime prevention.
He called for sustained collaboration among the police, school authorities, parents, guardians and community leaders to protect children from abuse and exploitation while promoting safe learning environments.
The commissioner further urged parents, educators and other stakeholders to remain vigilant, report suspected cases of child abuse and exploitation through appropriate channels, and support initiatives aimed at improving the safety, education and well-being of girls.
The command assured residents that it would sustain proactive policing, public sensitisation and strategic partnerships to protect vulnerable persons, prevent crime and promote public safety across Ogun State.
