The Ogun State Police Command has taken its campaign against child marriage, cultism and drug abuse to two girls’ schools in Abeokuta as part of activities for the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child.
The Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) visited Abeokuta Girls’ Grammar School and Baptist Girls’ College, Idi-Aba, on Friday, 16 October, to educate students about their rights, personal safety and the dangers of harmful practices.
The campaign was led by ASP Opeyemi Oluborode, the state coordinator of POCACOV, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni.
Police teach students about their rights
The outreach was held under the global theme, “End Child Marriage & Invest in Girls’ Rights.”
Addressing students, school administrators and teachers on the topic, “Breaking Boundaries: Shaping the Future of the Girl Child,” Oluborode discussed gender equality, access to education and the need to protect girls from discrimination, abuse and child marriage.
He also explained legal protections available to children, including the Child Rights Act as adopted in relevant jurisdictions.
Oluborode encouraged the students to learn from Nigerian women who have achieved success in different professions. He told them that their gender should not prevent them from pursuing their ambitions.
He stressed the value of education, discipline, self-confidence and determination in personal development and national progress.
READ RELATED NEWS
Tinubu’s girl-child message puts Nigeria’s child marriage challenge in focus
Girl Child Day: Poverty is keeping Nigerian girls from school — Amnesty
First lady urges parents to teach girls modesty, good values
The students also received guidance on the dangers of cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime and negative peer influence. The police warned that such activities could threaten their education, safety and future ambitions.
They were encouraged to reject child marriage, report abuse and seek help from trusted adults or the appropriate authorities whenever their rights or safety were threatened.
Schoolgirls pledge to reject harmful practices
Students at both schools pledged to avoid social vices, resist child marriage, respect their rights and responsibilities, and remain committed to their studies.
The management of the two schools commended the police for organising the campaign.
Mrs Osunbara, principal of Baptist Girls’ College, and Mrs A. Akeweje, vice-principal of Abeokuta Girls’ Grammar School, who represented its principal, thanked Ojajuni for prioritising child protection and youth development.
Senior prefects from both schools also appreciated the police and assured the command that the students would put the lessons into practice.
Ojajuni said protecting children and empowering young people were important parts of crime prevention. He called for cooperation among police officers, school authorities, parents, guardians and community leaders to protect children from abuse and exploitation.
The commissioner also asked parents and educators to report suspected cases of child abuse and exploitation through appropriate channels.
He said the command would continue public education and partnerships aimed at protecting vulnerable people and preventing crime across Ogun State.
WHAT READERS SHOULD KNOW
Schools visited: Abeokuta Girls’ Grammar School and Baptist Girls’ College, Idi-Aba, both in Abeokuta.
Campaign date: Friday, 16 October, 2026, as part of the International Day of the Girl Child activities.
What students learnt: The campaign covered child marriage, abuse, cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime and the importance of education.
Reporting abuse: Parents, teachers and other members of the public were encouraged to report suspected child abuse and exploitation through appropriate channels.
For More News Details, Visit www.NewDailyPrime.news.
