Stakeholders converge on Abeokuta for conference to address citizens engagement in crimes prevention among children

By Precious Williams (Corper)

Students across various schools in Ogun State on Thursday converged on Abeokuta for a conference to address citizens engagement in prevention among children, as well as prospects, challenges and the future.

Penpushing reports that the conference held at Alaba Lawson College located in Kuto area of the town was attended by number of stakeholders which include students, security operatives and educationists.

The programmes of the event include keynote address, breakout session, inter school debate and arts performances by the students who were the major participants and identified target as beneficiaries.

Penpushing further reports that the programme tagged,’ All Schools Stop-Crime Conference Ogun 2025 was jointly organized by Team Nigeria in partnership with the, Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices(POCACOV), Alaba Lawson College and equally supported by Penpushing Media

The Director of Alaba Lawson Royal College, Akinola Lawson in his welcome speech emphasized the importance of family and parental role in instilling discipline on the children in all ramifications.

Penpushing also reports that Lawson pointed out that discipline is a foundation for achieving goals, community involvement in shaping children’s values, as well as emphasizing hardwork as another factor

The National Coordinator of Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) Olabisi Okuwobi(Assistant Commissioner of Police) in his remarks highlighted initiatives to combat cultism and crime among youths.

Penpushing reports that Okuwobi identified key points to address the challenges which include combating cultism, societal vices threatening youth, creating a safe environment for youth to grow and thrive.

The Speaker Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Oludaisi Elemide, in his speech equally emphasized the importance of discipline and parental involvement in shaping children’s values and preventing crime.

Penpushing further reports that he stressed that discipline should starts at home noting that parents play a crucial role in instilling values and discipline in children, as well as community involvement.

The speaker pointed out that the breakdown of traditional support systems and values can lead to negative consequences and emphasized the importance of leadership, mentorship, and collective responsibility in shaping the next generation.

Penpushing also reports that he called for bringing together security personnel, policymakers, and educators to prevent youth from crimes and promote safety, while he used the opportunity to express appreciation to the organisers.

The President General of the Grand Union of Private School Association (GUPSA) in Ogun State AbdulAzeez Ajibola in his keynote emphasized on shared responsibility, and collective effort among schools, families, communities, and institutions to prevent crime,

Penpushing reports that Ajibola said value-based education is important, and therefore advocated for education that embeds discipline, empathy, and patriotism, guidance and support, just as he expressed gratitude to the organisers for organizing a program focused on crime prevention and safety.

The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command Olanrewaju Ogunlowo in his keynote speech emphasized the importance of obeying rules and guidelines in schools to prevent students from engaging in criminal behavior,

Penpushing further reports that he said disobeying school rules can lead to a path of crime and criminality pointing out that recent incidents of student misbehavior have been severe, resulting in some cases being taken to court.

The police boss advised students on importance need to listen to their parents and teachers to avoid sanctions, explaining that the law holds individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of age.

Penpushing also reports that Ogunlowo encourages students to share timely credible information with security operatives which will help them in keeping off from crimes that might consume them

The commissioner called for collaborative efforts between security operatives and traditional rulers, religious leaders’, schools as well as other stakeholders to promote moral values and civic responsibility.

Penpushing reports that he identified use of technological tools utilizing crime mapping, communication platforms, and digital case tracking systems to support policing, adding that Ogun State Government is investing in safety systems.

The General Manager Sweet F.M Radio station Eddy Aina in his remarks highlighted the devastating impact of conflict and insecurity on children, particularly in Nigeria, lamenting that children’s suffering and exposure to violence, torture, and sexual violence in conflict zones.

Penpushing further reports that Aina who is a member of editorial board of Penpushing Media pointed out that displacement and lack of access to education is worrisome, and that many children are out of school, with statistics indicating 10.5 million in Nigeria

The veteran journalist stated that millions of children require assistance, especially in regions affected by insurgency, emphasized the importance of prioritizing children’s welfare and education for the country’s future development.

Penpushing also reports that he equally discussed the impact of mass media on children, highlighting both positive and negative aspects, and pointed out mass media’s evolution from traditional media which are newspapers and radio to digital media, social media, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The radio station boss added that parents and children need to use mass media wisely, leveraging its benefits while minimizing harm, stating that guidelines from the National Broadcasting Commission, help protect children from harmful content, and called on children to use mass media responsibly and benefit from its educational potential.

Penpushing reports that Comrade Ojolowo Arowolo Owolabi in his own contributions noted that family background can brings about crime h, as well peer pressure, poverty and economic factor.

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