BY GABRIEL OKECHUKWU
Managing Director Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC Dr. Samuel Ogbuku says the effects of drug abuse and cultism are destructive to individuals and the society.
Dr. Ogbuku who made this known during campaign Against Cultism and Drug Abuse in Community Secondary School Oruma, Bayelsa State, advised the students not to do drugs or join cult groups.
Represented by Director, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Dr. Goddy Ogedegbe, the MD told them that engaging in cultism would cut short their dreams and put their lives in danger.
The NDDC boss said that the sensitization was part of the move by the commission to have a Niger Delta that is free from drugs and cultism.
He maintained that the commission was committed to education and human capital development of the youths of the region.
In a lecture, Assistant State Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA, Bayelsa, State Mr. Erepa Godwin who spoke on the ‘link Between Drug Abuse and Cultism’ insisted that drug abuse affects everyone.
Mr. Erepa who maintained that there was a strong connection between drug abuse and cultism noted that people abuse drugs out of ignorance.
He condemned cultism, saying that cultists operate in secrecy because it is unlawful.
While applauding NDDC for the initiative, he admitted that it would be effective in the quest to prevent drug abuse and cultism among primary and secondary schools across the region.
According to the NDLEA Official, drug abuse often leads to cultism, even as cultists also take to drug abuse to be able to operate.
He advised the students to resist the temptation and peer pressure to engage in drug abuse or cultism.
Mr. Erepa who warned the students to disengage from bad friends that could lure them into doing drugs, observed that the act was detrimental to health.
Reacting to the development, Principal, Community Secondary School ORUMA, Sunny -Obi Julius appreciated NDDC for choosing the school for the sensitization.
Mr. Julius enjoined the students to eschew cultism and drug abuse.
Similarly, Inspector
Iroro ohwoharhoho
from the Legal Unit, Nigerian Police Bayelsa State Command, who spoke on
‘Cultism and Law, Consequences Every Student Should Know,’ said that cultists were always engaging in violent acts, intimidation and criminality.
He explained that by law, every cultism offence was a criminal act.
The Police Officer told them that if convicted, the jail term for cultism is ten years.
Iroro stated that every cultist has a bad record which would be detrimental in future dreams.
According to him, cultism could lead to murder or armed robbery; which has longer jail term or eve capital punishment.
