The Edo State Government has embarked on a strategic, enlightenment-driven campaign against cultism and drug abuse across secondary schools in the Edo South Senatorial District.
The state government has taken the campaign to schools, sensitising students on the dangers associated with drug abuse, cultism, and cult-related crimes in the state.
Led by the Principal Security Officer to the governor, Idemudia Noah, the squad, alongside security agencies and other stakeholders, visited Ihogbe College, Akenzua Senior Secondary School, and Edo Boys High School, among others.
Speaking during the outreach, Noah, said the state government had initially focused its campaign on the general public but decided to change strategy by targeting students directly.
He noted that the campaign, which began in Edo South, would be extended to Edo Central and Edo North Senatorial Districts, stressing that the Okpebholo administration has zero tolerance for drug abuse and cultism.
“The campaign was first taken to the 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.
“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.
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“We started in Edo South, and we will move to Edo Central and Edo North. From Edo State, the message will spread across the nation.”
A former House of Representatives member, E.J.Agbonayinma, said cultism, drug abuse and substance dependency are critical social threats that continue to endanger the community, destroying young lives and undermine the future of the society.
He called on the student to join the fight against cultism and drug abuse, noting that cultism and drug abuse are not an option.
Agbonayima urged the student to disassociate themselves from the scourge which can destroy their lives and future.
Guest speaker from the Faculty of Arts, University of Benin, Dr. Chris Okaka, who commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for the initiative, urged students to shun cultism and drug abuse.
He advised them to avoid negative peer pressure and focus on their studies in order to contribute positively to society.
“There is nothing good in becoming a cult member or using drugs; it will destroy your ambition. Avoid bad friends and negative influence that may lead to cultism or drug addiction in the future,” he warned.
