The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has cautioned students against engaging in drug abuse and cult-related activities, describing both as serious threats to personal growth and societal development.
Speaking during an anti-cultism and anti-drug abuse awareness campaign at Community Secondary School, Oruma, in Bayelsa State, the Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, urged students to stay away from harmful substances and secret cult groups.
Represented by the Director of Alternative Dispute Resolution, Dr. Goddy Ogedegbe, Ogbuku warned that involvement in cultism could derail students’ ambitions and expose them to life-threatening risks.
He explained that the sensitisation programme forms part of the commission’s efforts to promote a safer Niger Delta free from drug abuse and cult activities. He also reaffirmed NDDC’s commitment to education and youth development across the region.
Delivering a lecture on the relationship between drug abuse and cultism, Assistant State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Bayelsa State, Mr. Erepa Godwin, said substance abuse remains a major concern that affects individuals and communities alike.
According to him, there is a strong connection between drug abuse and cultism, as many young people are drawn into both due to ignorance and peer influence. He noted that cult groups operate secretly because their activities are against the law.
Godwin commended the NDDC for organising the awareness programme, saying it would help reduce the prevalence of drug abuse and cultism among students in the region.
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He advised the students to resist pressure from friends and avoid habits that could endanger their health and future.
In his remarks, the Principal of Community Secondary School, Oruma, Mr. Sunny-Obi Julius, expressed appreciation to the NDDC for selecting the school for the campaign. He encouraged students to embrace positive values and shun activities that could ruin their future.
Also speaking, Inspector Iroro Ohwoharhoho of the Legal Unit, Bayelsa State Police Command, educated the students on the legal consequences of cultism. He explained that cult-related offences are criminal acts punishable under the law.
The police officer stated that individuals convicted of cultism could face up to 10 years imprisonment, adding that a criminal record could negatively affect future opportunities. He further warned that cult activities often lead to more serious crimes such as armed robbery and murder, which attract stiffer penalties, including life imprisonment or capital punishment.
