Beyond Policing: POCACOV Brings Joy To Children’s Home In Abuja
…. delivers IGP Disu’s message of hope, kindness, responsible citizenship
The atmosphere at Cherryfields Children’s Home, Abuja, was one of excitement and laughter as officers of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) paid a special visit to the children to mark the International Day of Charity.
The visit, led by the National Coordinator of POCACOV, SP Orevenonne Ikwen, was part of a nationwide charity initiative directed by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to reach out to vulnerable persons and communities across the country.
Bearing relief materials and, more importantly, warmth and companionship, the POCACOV team spent time with the children, who welcomed the officers with visible excitement.
SP Ikwen exchanged pleasantries with the Big Mommy of the Home, Mrs Augusta Chi, before joining the children in games and other recreational activities. For the children, the visit was more than the items donated; it was an opportunity to interact, laugh and share memorable moments with members of the Police family.
In her message to the children, SP Ikwen conveyed the goodwill of the Inspector-General of Police, urging them to remain focused on becoming responsible and accomplished members of society.
She encouraged them to make positive choices, resist negative influences and, particularly, shun bullying and other forms of behaviour that could negatively affect their development.
“You have a future, and that future can be great. Always choose the right path, respect one another and never allow anyone to make you feel less important. Aspire to become great men and women who will contribute positively to society and make Nigeria proud,” she told the children.
One of the most poignant moments of the visit was the presence of two babies recently recovered by the Nigeria Police Force, who are currently being accommodated at the home.
The babies, who were seen receiving proper care and attention from the attendants, provided a poignant reminder of the critical role played by institutions such as Cherryfields Children’s Home in protecting vulnerable children and giving them a safe and nurturing environment.
SP Ikwen commended the management and caregivers at the home for their dedication to the welfare of the children, noting that caring for vulnerable members of society was a responsibility that should be shared by everyone.
She further called on well-meaning Nigerians, corporate organisations and philanthropists to embrace the spirit of charity and extend a helping hand to vulnerable people wherever they find themselves.
According to her, the POCACOV charity initiative is being implemented simultaneously across all states of the Federation, in keeping with the IGP’s vision of strengthening community-oriented policing through non-kinetic interventions and meaningful engagement with the people.
She stressed that policing goes beyond crime prevention and law enforcement, noting that building safer communities also requires compassion, inclusion, mentorship and investment in the future of young people.
The visit ended on a joyful note as the children expressed their appreciation to the POCACOV team, with laughter and games bringing the day to a memorable close.
For POCACOV, the message was simple: preventing crime begins long before a crime is committed, and sometimes, it begins with showing a child that someone cares.
