The Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) has announced plans for the 2025 edition of the Nigerian Children National Crime Awareness Month (NCAM), with the theme: “Their Lives Matter,” pledging a renewed commitment to safeguarding children and youths.

NCAM is an initiative of the POCACOV, in partnership with the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) and other stakeholders in education, security, and youth development.

It promotes safety awareness, positive identity, responsible citizenship, and supportive community environments for children and schools. According to a statement signed by POCACOV National Director, Citizens Engagement, Olafemi George, the month-long event, which kicked off yesterday, will run through to November 28, 2025, with education-oriented and awareness activities lined up to give the children a solid voice in the scheme of affairs.

“There are moments in history when a nation must pause, look into the eyes of its children, and decide what kind of future it wants to protect. For Nigeria, that moment has come.

“This November, under the theme “Our Lives Matter,” Nigerian children will stand — not as spectators, but as voices of hope — to lead the first-ever National Children Crime Awareness Month. This movement is not a ceremony; it is a national rebirth, and for the first time in our history, the official flag-off will be conducted by Nigerian children themselves, from classrooms and school grounds across all 36 states of the federation. Each child will rise and declare to the nation and the world: “We are the children of Nigeria — our lives matter. This is not just a campaign. It is a cry for redemption, a call to conscience,” the statement stated.

However, NAPPS National President, Hakka Jibir, in a statement, said: “We call on parents, guardians, educators, faith institutions, government agencies, community leaders, and civil society organisations to strengthen the social and protective structures around children. The most secure child is one who is known, guided, heard, and loved.”