The maiden edition of the You Against Crime – Schools Festival 2026 Grand Finale concluded with a powerful display of youth engagement, cultural advocacy, and crime prevention messaging in Abuja, highlighting an emerging grassroots movement to promote safer communities and moral values among Nigeria’s young citizens. The event brought together 78 secondary schools from all six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for a day of competition, learning, and celebration at the University of Abuja, under the broad theme “Culture, The Cure for Crime.”
Organised by You Against Crime International, a youth-focused civic movement, and spearheaded by founder Tayo Folorunsho, the festival aimed to harness the creative energy and voices of secondary school students to confront issues of crime, violence, youth restiveness, and ethical decline. Through a series of cultural performances, debates, drama, music, traditional dance and presentations, students showcased how values, identity, mentorship, and positive community engagement can be pivotal tools in shaping responsible and law-abiding citizens.
After a rigorous preliminary phase, six schools advanced to the Grand Finale. Tudunwada School, Bwari emerged as the overall winner, demonstrating exceptional creativity and depth in its presentations. The Golden Crest Royal secured second place, while Government Secondary School, Kuje finished third. Other participating schools contributed unique interpretations of the theme that emphasised respect, integrity, and cultural pride.
Key voices at the event included Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Chairman of Amnesty International Nigeria, who praised the festival as “a beacon of hope for our young people,” and stressed the importance of instilling cultural and ethical foundations early in life. Also contributing, Aisha Mohammed — Head of Enlightenment and Re-orientation at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) — highlighted the role of mentorship and positive guidance in deterring youth from criminal pathways. Both speakers underlined that crime prevention must begin with empowerment and education, rather than only enforcement.
Sponsors such as Civicx Technology Ltd International supported the festival, reflecting growing corporate and civil society partnerships in youth empowerment initiatives. In closing remarks, Folorunsho appealed to government agencies and stakeholders to adopt and scale similar youth-centered programmes aimed at nurturing ethical behaviour, cultural pride and community responsibility nationwide.
The festival’s success not only demonstrated the potential of cultural approaches to crime prevention but also highlighted the enthusiasm of Nigeria’s youth to contribute positively to national security and development. Many analysts believe that such community-rooted initiatives could complement formal law enforcement efforts by addressing the social and moral drivers of criminal behaviour among young people.