At a time when concerns over youth involvement in crimes, cultism and other vices, continue to reverberate across communities in Lagos, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Dr. Ayo Ogunsan, has issued a firm and unequivocal charge to young people and community advocates to uphold integrity and reject all forms of social vices.
Speaking at a strategic implementation meeting with members of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund Campaign Against Crimes, Cultism and Other Vices (LSSTF-CACCOV), led by its State Coordinator, Dr. Moses Oladimeji, Ogunsan stressed that the success of any security intervention rests heavily on the moral standing and personal discipline of those entrusted with its execution.
During the meeting, the LSSTF CEO also announced that the Agency’s
prevention initiative against Crimes, Cultism and Other Vices, LSSTF-CACCOV will be addressing thousands of students at its Flagship Youth Security Awareness and Orientation Campaign at Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) in May, 2026. This will be immediately followed by another youth campaign focused on Cybersecurity and Digital Security.
In a strongly worded address, he cautioned members of the Committee against any conduct capable of tarnishing the credibility of the initiative: “You, yourselves, must rise above board. No one must accuse you of defrauding them; the moment we hear it, you are off. I don’t want anyone to bring disrepute to this organization. We will publicly disclaim you if you do so. You have to work on yourself. This goes beyond you personally to those you relate with. You have a friend and the friend is a cultist; no, you are not supposed to be there.”
The LSSTF-CACCOV initiative represents a preventive, community-driven approach to tackling insecurity by engaging youths constructively and steering them away from crime, cultism, and other destructive behaviors. In Lagos, the city regarded as Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre and West Africa’s economic hub, stakeholders have consistently underscored the direct link between security and economic productivity. Youths, who constitute a significant portion of the population, remain central to this equation.
Dr. Ogunsan further urged young people across Lagos to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their communities, emphasizing the importance of reporting suspicious activities and fostering a culture of accountability. According to him, sustainable development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear and lawlessness.
Responding on behalf of the Committee spearheading the crime prevention initiative of LSSTF, Dr. Oladimeji reaffirmed the group’s commitment to grassroots engagement and behavioral reorientation among youths: “We understand that the issues of crime and cultism are concerns that worry every community. So, the initiative is a preventive approach to positively engage youths to resist vices, cultism, and crime, so that we can all live in a peaceful environment. Because if businesses will thrive and careers will grow, security will be of major importance.”
Security experts have long noted that investment in youth development, including through education, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and gainful engagement, remains one of the most effective tools for crime prevention. By positioning young people as both stakeholders and ambassadors of peace, LSSTF-CACCOV aims to reshape community narratives and reinforce the values of responsibility, productivity, and lawful conduct.
Present at the strategic implementation meeting are the Executive Secretary/CEO, LSSTF Dr Ayodele Ogunsan; Director of Administration, LSSTF, Mr. Adegbola Lewis; Executive Assistant, LSSTF, Mrs. Adaobi Nwankwo; State Coordinator, Lagos State Security Trust Fund Campaign Against Crime, Cultism and Other Vices (LSSTF-CACCOV), Dr. Moses Oladimeji; Assistant State Coordinator/General Secretary, LSSTF-CACCOV, Uzezi Akinwoleola; Head, Human Resources and Training, LSSTF-CACCOV, Prominence Promise; Head, Education, Advocacy and Empowerment, LSSTF-CACCOV, Joseph Akinwoleola; Head, Media, Press and Public Relations, LSSTF-CACCOV, Taiwo Idris; and Head, Strategy, Digital Communication, and Technology, Olugbogi Nathanael
