The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has launched a nationwide advocacy and sensitisation campaign under the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), with activities set to begin across all Nigeria Police State Commands.

The campaign is part of the Nigeria Police Force’s broader effort to prevent crime by addressing its root causes, particularly among young people, through community policing and public education.

Why it matters

Cultism, drug abuse and youth-related violence remain major security concerns in many parts of Nigeria, affecting schools, communities and businesses.

Police authorities say the latest campaign aims to reduce the appeal of criminal activities by engaging young people before they become involved in crime, while encouraging stronger partnerships between security agencies and local communities.

What the police said

Announcing the initiative, the Nigeria Police Force said:

“The initiative forms part of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to proactive policing, community engagement, and sustained efforts to combat cultism and other social vices through grassroots sensitization, early intervention, and strategic stakeholder engagement.”

The Force added that POCACOV serves as its flagship community policing programme.

“As the flagship community policing initiative of the Nigeria Police Force, POCACOV is designed to discourage youth involvement in cultism, drug abuse, violent crime, and other social vices by promoting positive values and strengthening partnerships with schools, communities, religious bodies, and other relevant stakeholders.”

Police also reaffirmed their commitment to preventive policing.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to preventive policing strategies that promote public safety, protect young people from criminal influences, and foster safer communities across the country.”

Expert perspective

Security experts have consistently argued that enforcement alone cannot eliminate cultism and youth crime. They say sustained awareness campaigns, improved access to education, employment opportunities and stronger community participation are essential to reducing criminal recruitment among young people.

What’s next?

The advocacy and sensitisation campaign is expected to roll out across State Police Commands nationwide in the coming weeks.

Activities are likely to include school outreach programmes, town hall meetings, youth engagement sessions and partnerships with community organisations aimed at discouraging cultism and other criminal activities.

Chief Alexander Oluremi Ajipe, an aspirant for the Ondo North Senatorial District, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Pa Erastus Oludolapo Akeju, a respected elder statesman and former Commissioner for Works in Ondo State.

The death of Pa Akeju marks the loss of a prominent political figure whose contributions to governance and public infrastructure helped shape development in the state over several decades.

In a statement, Ajipe described the late politician as a dedicated public servant whose commitment to Ondo State remained unwavering throughout his life.

“Pa Akeju’s wealth of experience, wise counsel, and exemplary leadership earned him the respect and admiration of generations of leaders and citizens alike,” Ajipe said.

“Ondo State has indeed lost one of its finest patriots whose legacy will continue to inspire many.”

Why His Death Matters

Pa Akeju was widely known in political circles for his service as Commissioner for Works, a role in which he contributed to infrastructure development across Ondo State.

Beyond his time in office, he remained active in civic and political affairs, offering guidance and mentorship to younger leaders and maintaining a strong interest in the state’s development.

Political observers say the passing of elder statesmen such as Akeju represents the loss of institutional memory and experience at a time when many states are seeking to balance continuity with generational leadership transition.

Legacy of Public Service

Ajipe noted that the late politician’s contributions extended beyond government appointments.

According to him, Akeju’s commitment to public service, integrity, and community development earned him widespread respect among political stakeholders and ordinary citizens.

“The political icon’s remarkable contributions to public infrastructure and his continued civic engagement have left an indelible mark on Ondo State’s development trajectory,” the statement said.

His influence, supporters say, can still be seen in infrastructure projects and governance initiatives that benefited communities across the state.

Condolences to Family and Ondo People

Ajipe extended condolences to the Akeju family, friends, associates, and residents of Ondo State mourning the elder statesman.

“I pray that Almighty God grants the family the strength and fortitude to bear this painful loss, and that He comforts everyone mourning this great statesman. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace,” he said.

Industry and Public Perspective

Political analysts note that tributes from emerging and established leaders alike reflect the impact Pa Akeju had across different generations of Ondo politics.

Residents and stakeholders are expected to remember him for his role in public administration, infrastructure development, and his reputation as a voice of experience in state affairs.

What Next?

Details regarding funeral arrangements and official memorial activities are expected to be announced by the family and relevant stakeholders in the coming days.

As tributes continue to pour in, many political leaders and community groups are likely to reflect on Pa Akeju’s contributions to governance and development in Ondo State.

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has approved the appointment of Chief Segun Odusanya as the new Head of Service of the state, effective from June 6, 2026.

The appointment follows the retirement of Mr. Bayo Philips, who served as the state’s Head of Service before reaching the mandatory retirement age.

Announcing the decision on Friday, the governor expressed appreciation to Mr. Philips for his service and contributions to the development of Ondo State.

According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Governor Aiyedatiwa thanked the outgoing Head of Service and wished him success in his future endeavours.

Why the appointment matters

The position of Head of Service is one of the most influential roles within the state civil service, overseeing administrative operations and coordinating public sector reforms across ministries, departments and agencies.

The appointment comes at a time when state governments across Nigeria are under increasing pressure to improve public service delivery, strengthen institutional efficiency and implement governance reforms.

Governor Aiyedatiwa said he expects the new Head of Service to leverage his extensive experience in the public sector to support the administration’s development agenda.

“The Governor urged the new Head of Service to bring his wealth of experience to bear on the service towards driving the OUR EASE administration to the desired destination,” the statement said.

Who is Segun Odusanya?

Chief Odusanya has spent more than three decades in public administration and is widely regarded as one of the most experienced senior civil servants in Ondo State.

Born on February 6, 1967, he attended St. Peter’s Primary School, Ile-Oluji, and Gboluji Anglican Grammar School before proceeding to , where he obtained a Bachelor of Agriculture degree in 1989.

He later earned a Post-Graduate Diploma in Management Studies from the same institution in 1992 and subsequently obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from in 2000.

Chief Odusanya joined the Ondo State Public Service in September 1995 and rose through the ranks before being appointed Permanent Secretary in 2019.

Over the years, he has served as Permanent Secretary in several strategic government institutions, including the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Ondo State Civil Service Commission, the Ministry of Transport, and most recently, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

He currently serves as Chairman of the Forum of Permanent Secretaries in Ondo State.

Professional credentials

Beyond his administrative experience, Chief Odusanya is a fellow of several professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, the Chartered Institute of Public Administration of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Local Government Administration.

Observers say his background in public administration, personnel management and governance could prove valuable as the state seeks to improve efficiency within the civil service.

Governance experts react

Public administration analysts note that continuity in leadership within the civil service often plays a critical role in sustaining government policies and institutional memory.

Governance experts say Odusanya’s appointment signals the administration’s preference for an experienced insider who understands the workings of the state’s bureaucracy and can help accelerate policy implementation.

What happens next?

Chief Odusanya is expected to assume office officially on June 6, 2026, taking over the responsibility of coordinating the state’s civil service machinery and supporting the implementation of government programmes.

Stakeholders will be watching closely to see how his leadership shapes ongoing reforms and service delivery across Ondo State’s public institutions.