Anambra Government Commends Police Initiative Against Cultism, Reaffirms Support

The Anambra State Government has commended the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), describing the initiative as a proactive strategy to combat cultism, drug abuse and other social vices through sustained public enlightenment.

The government also reaffirmed its readiness to partner with the programme to protect the future of Anambra youths.

The Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, gave the assurance while receiving members of the Anambra State chapter of POCACOV, led by officials of the Anambra State Police Command, at the Light House, Awka.

Speaking during the visit, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, explained that POCACOV is a non kinetic initiative of the Nigeria Police Force designed to prevent crime through education and advocacy.

He said the visit was to formally introduce the initiative to the state government, seek collaboration and sponsorship for its programmes, and strengthen efforts to tackle cultism and related crimes across Anambra.

Ikenga disclosed that the Anambra chapter is coordinated by the traditional ruler of Nawfia, His Majesty Igwe Amb. Dr. Daniel Obelle, alongside a seven member state committee.

He said the organisation plans to intensify sensitisation campaigns in public and private schools during the August holiday and also engage women during the annual August Meetings in communities.

He added that POCACOV has structures in all 54 police divisions and eight area commands in the state, enabling it to reach communities at the grassroots.

Responding, Mrs. Nnake described cultism as a serious threat to the future of many young people and stressed the need for collective action to address the challenge.

She assured the delegation of the Soludo administration’s support for initiatives that promote peace and security, while urging POCACOV to partner with churches, traditional rulers, Presidents General and educational institutions to ensure the anti cultism message reaches every part of the state.

The meeting ended with both the Anambra State Government and the Nigeria Police Force reaffirming their commitment to sustained collaboration in preventing cultism and other social vices through continuous public enlightenment and community based interventions.