You Against Crime Schools Festival 2026 Grand Finale ends in Abuja, 78 schools participate

Michael Olumide

Maiden edition of the You Against Crime – Schools Festival 2026 Grand Finale has successfully concluded in Abuja, marking a major milestone in youth engagement and crime prevention efforts across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Held at the prestigious University of Abuja, the event brought together 78 secondary schools from the six Area Councils of Abuja, with the top six schools advancing to compete in the highly anticipated Grand Finale.

At the end of the keenly contested competition, Tudunwada School, Bwari, emerged as the overall winner, clinching the first position.

The Golden Crest Royal secured second place, while Government Secondary School, Kuje, finished third.

Culture as a Tool for Crime Prevention
Themed “Culture, The Cure for Crime,” the festival underscored the importance of values, identity, mentorship, and positive youth engagement as sustainable tools for crime prevention and responsible citizenship.

Participants showcased talents and intellectual depth through cultural displays, debates, and creative presentations aimed at promoting integrity, discipline, and civic responsibility.

The initiative seeks to counter the rising appeal of crime among young people by instilling strong moral foundations and cultural awareness early in life.

The Grand Finale featured goodwill messages and keynote addresses from prominent leaders and stakeholders, who emphasized the need for proactive investment in youth development.

Chairman of Amnesty International Nigeria, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, described the festival as “a beacon of hope for our young people,” noting that initiatives promoting strong values and ethical principles are critical to shaping a brighter future for Nigeria.

Also speaking at the event, Aisha Mohammed, Head of Enlightenment and Re-orientation at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), stressed the role of mentorship and guidance in curbing criminal tendencies.

“Empowering young people with the right guidance and opportunities is key to preventing crime and building a stronger nation,” she said.

The 2026 Grand Finale was proudly sponsored by Civicx Technology Ltd Int’l, reinforcing a shared commitment to youth empowerment and crime prevention through cultural reorientation and innovation.

Host and Founder of You Against Crime International, Tayo Folorunsho, called on government agencies and private sector stakeholders to support similar initiatives aimed at shaping young minds early.

He noted that prevention remains more effective and sustainable than enforcement alone, stressing that investing in youth-focused programmes would significantly reduce crime rates and strengthen national development.

You Against Crime International is a movement advocating cultural change as a long-term solution to crime. Through school engagement, mentorship programmes, and community outreach, the organisation continues to promote youth development, civic responsibility, and nation-building across Nigeria.

With the success of its maiden edition, organisers expressed optimism that the Schools Festival will expand in scope and participation in subsequent years, further strengthening the campaign to build a generation of responsible, culturally grounded, and law-abiding citizens.