Notable Niger Delta socio-cultural group, the Orashi National Congress (ONC), under the leadership of its President General, Ambassador Comrade Emeni Ibe, JP, AP, has commended the Nigeria Police Force for the official relaunch of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) in Rivers State, describing the initiative as a timely and strategic intervention in the fight against cultism, youth violence and other social vices.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Ambassador Emeni Ibe lauded the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, for championing the campaign, whose theme is “Dangers of Cultism, Other Social Vices and Their Adverse Effects on the Society.”
The ONC President General noted that cultism remains one of the greatest threats to peace, security and sustainable development in many communities, stressing that the POCACOV initiative aligns with the Congress’ commitment to promoting peace, youth empowerment and community development across the Orashi region.
According to him, security cannot be achieved through law enforcement alone, but requires the active participation of traditional rulers, community leaders, religious institutions, educational bodies, youth groups, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
Ambassador Emeni Ibe therefore, pledged that the Orashi National Congress would partner with the Nigeria Police Force to take the anti-cultism campaign to communities across the Orashi region through sustained sensitisation, advocacy and youth engagement programmes aimed at discouraging criminality and promoting responsible citizenship.
He urged young people in the region to shun cultism, drug abuse, violence and other forms of criminal behaviour, emphasizing that their future can only be secured through education, entrepreneurship, hard work and positive community involvement.
The ONC further called on all stakeholders in the Orashi region to support the POCACOV initiative by working closely with security agencies to build safer communities and create an environment where peace, development and economic prosperity can flourish.
The Congress reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to collaborating with the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant institutions in advancing peace, security and social reorientation throughout the Orashi region and Rivers State at large.