The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr Ayo Ogunsan, has urged young people and community advocates to uphold integrity and reject social vices.
The call comes amid concerns over youth involvement in crime and cultism across communities in Lagos.
Speaking at a strategic implementation meeting with members of the LSSTF Campaign Against Crimes, Cultism and Other Vices (LSSTF-CACCOV), led by State Coordinator Dr Moses Oladimeji, Ogunsan said the success of security interventions depends on the moral standing and discipline of those responsible for their execution.
He cautioned members against conduct that could undermine the initiative’s credibility: “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 organisation. 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 adopts a preventive, community-driven approach to tackling insecurity by engaging youths constructively and steering them away from crime and cultism.
In Lagos, regarded as Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre and a key economic hub in West Africa, stakeholders have underscored the link between security and economic productivity. Young people, who make up a significant portion of the population, remain central to this effort.
Ogunsan urged residents to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their communities, emphasising the need to report suspicious activities and promote accountability. He noted that sustainable development thrives in a secure environment.
Responding on behalf of the committee, Oladimeji reaffirmed the group’s commitment to grassroots engagement and behavioural 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,” he said.
Security experts have noted that investment in youth development—through education, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and gainful engagement—remains an effective tool for crime prevention. By positioning young people as stakeholders and ambassadors of peace, LSSTF-CACCOV aims to reinforce values of responsibility, productivity, and lawful conduct.
The meeting was attended by LSSTF Director of Administration, Mr Adegbola Lewis; Executive Assistant, Mrs Adaobi Nwankwo; and other officials.
