The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ugborikoko Division, CSP Dr. Setemi Agbede-Zuokumor, has intensified advocacy for youth development and community policing, calling on parents, guardians, teenagers, churches, schools, and communities to work together in building a safer society through responsible living, moral guidance, and active civic engagement.
The senior police officer delivered the charge during Teens Experience 2026, held at Word of Life Bible Church, Beautiful Gate Branch, Ubeji, where she addressed hundreds of teenagers. The event also formed part of a broader community safety advocacy that included an outreach programme attended by more than 1,000 students at Urhobo College, Warri. Throughout the engagements, she emphasized that the fight against crime, drug abuse, cultism, and other social vices cannot be left to law enforcement agencies alone but requires the collective commitment of families, schools, religious institutions, and the wider community.
At Teens Experience 2026, Dr. Agbede-Zuokumor challenged young people to embrace responsible living and become ambassadors of positive change in their communities. Speaking on the importance of good character, civic responsibility, and active community participation, she urged teenagers to reject crime, resist negative peer pressure, and develop values that would make them responsible leaders capable of contributing positively to society.
The DPO was introduced by Amb. Mrs. Rose Obi, who described her as not only a distinguished police officer but also a devoted mother, mentor, and passionate advocate for youth development. She commended Dr. Agbede-Zuokumor’s commitment to empowering young people through mentorship, education, and community engagement.
Also speaking at the event, Corporal (CPL) Aikpitanyi Osasere of the Nigeria Police Force ministered to the teenagers, assuring them that the police were not merely law enforcers but partners in their growth and safety.
“We are not here with handcuffs. We are here as your friends,” he told the participants.
In his presentation, CPL Osasere educated the teenagers on the dangers of cultism from legal, economic, and psychological perspectives. He explained that under Delta State law and Sections 62 and 63 of the Criminal Code, membership of an unlawful society attracts a prison sentence of up to 21 years.
He further warned that cult groups often exploit young people by recruiting them as errand runners and using them to carry out criminal activities, including theft, while demanding financial contributions from members. He also noted that such groups frequently prey on vulnerable teenagers struggling with anger, loneliness, or low self-esteem.
Encouraging the young people to embrace their identity and purpose in Christ, Osasere declared:
“Dominion is supreme authority. Your territory belongs to God. Don’t let vices take it.”
Speaking during the outreach programme at Urhobo College, Warri, Dr. Agbede-Zuokumor turned her attention to parents and guardians, urging them to take a more active role in raising their children and protecting them from destructive influences.
“Don’t give the devil an upper hand in the life of your children,” she said, stressing the importance of moral guidance, discipline, intentional parenting, and open communication within the home.
Addressing the students, she warned against drug abuse and other harmful behaviours, encouraging them instead to become responsible citizens committed to the growth and security of their communities.
Dr. Agbede-Zuokumor also reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s philosophy of community policing, emphasizing that sustainable security depends on strong collaboration between citizens and law enforcement.
“No single police officer is big enough to police a nation,” she said. “Policing is the duty of all of us. If you see something, say something, so we can do something together.”
Her remarks formed part of an ongoing awareness campaign promoting youth safety, civic responsibility, and stronger partnerships between communities and the police. She encouraged students to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, reject criminal influences, and make choices that would positively shape their future.
The programme also showcased the work of POCOSAAD (Police Community Safety Advocacy), an initiative focused on building safer communities by equipping young people with knowledge, values, and practical guidance to resist crime and contribute meaningfully to nation-building. Organisers described the initiative as one that is committed to “building and equipping the people that build the nation.”
In addition, organisers highlighted the role of Unmute The Voices Advocacy (UNVA) in creating platforms that connect young people with leaders, mentors, and professionals, providing guidance on leadership, personal development, faith, responsible citizenship, and community engagement. Participants who require counselling or support were also encouraged to reach out through the organisation’s communication channels.
Both engagements reinforced the message that effective policing extends beyond the efforts of security agencies and thrives when communities actively participate in crime prevention through trust, timely information sharing, and responsible citizenship.
The programmes brought together teenagers, church leaders, educators, mentors, parents, and community stakeholders, reflecting a shared commitment to raising a generation equipped with strong moral values, biblical principles, and a sense of civic responsibility.
As Nigeria continues to strengthen community policing initiatives, the engagements led by CSP Dr. Setemi Agbede-Zuokumor underscores the growing recognition that safer communities are built through collaboration among law enforcement, families, faith-based organisations, schools, and young people themselves. Their message was clear: protecting the next generation begins at home, is strengthened in the church and the community, and succeeds when everyone takes responsibility for safeguarding society.
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