Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting
THE Edo State Government has launched a school-based sensitisation campaign against cultism and drug abuse across the Edo South Senatorial District, as part of renewed efforts to tackle youth-related crime in the state.
In a move aimed at “catching them young”, the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo has taken its awareness drive directly to secondary schools, educating students on the dangers of drug abuse, cultism and cult-related violence.
The government’s zero-tolerance stance on drug abuse and cultism led to the creation of the Edo State Special Security Squad, popularly known as Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists.
Led by the Principal Security Officer (PSO) to the Governor and coordinated by Idemudia Noah, the squad, in collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders, visited Ihogbe College, Akenzua Senior Secondary School and Edo Boys High School, among others.
Speaking during the outreach, Mr Noah said the campaign had initially targeted the general public but was now focusing on students due to growing concerns about youth involvement in cult-related activities.
“The campaign was first taken to society, but now we want to take our message to primary, secondary and tertiary institutions. Even primary and secondary school students are now involved in these activities,” he said.
He added that the initiative, which commenced in Edo South, would be extended to Edo Central and Edo North Senatorial Districts.
“Governor Okpebholo charged us to take the campaign to the grassroots to ensure cultism is eradicated from the state.
Starting from secondary schools will greatly help in fighting this scourge. From Edo State, the message will spread across the nation,” he stated.
Also speaking at the event, former lawmaker Hon. E. J. Agbonayinma described cultism, drug abuse and substance dependency as serious social threats that destroy young lives and undermine the future of society.
He urged students to reject involvement in cult groups and drug use, warning that such choices could derail their ambitions and future prospects.
A guest speaker from the Faculty of Arts, University of Benin, Dr Chris Okaka, commended Governor Okpebholo for the initiative and encouraged students to resist negative peer pressure.
“There is nothing good in becoming a cult member or using drugs; it will destroy your ambition. Avoid bad friends and negative influences that may lead to cultism or drug addiction in the future,” he cautioned.
The Secretary of the Squad, John Izegaegbe, noted that cult-related violence had increased the number of widows and fatherless children in society.
He called for collective action from all stakeholders to combat drug abuse and cultism across the state.
The Junior Principal of Edo Boys High School, Mr Usiobafo Nicholas, praised the government’s efforts and appealed for the establishment of anti-cultism clubs in secondary schools across the state’s 18 local government areas to deepen awareness.
Students also welcomed the initiative. The Head Girl of Ihogbe College, Aisosa Osakpamwan, and the Head Boy, Blessed Edomwonyi, described the campaign as timely, expressing optimism that it would help curb cultism in schools throughout the state.
