The Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC has intensified its campaign against drug abuse and cultism, warning students of the destructive consequences these vices pose to individuals and society.
The Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC has intensified its campaign against drug abuse and cultism, warning students of the destructive consequences these vices pose to individuals and society.
Speaking during a sensitisation programme at Community Secondary School, Oruma, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, urged students to resist peer pressure and avoid involvement in drugs or secret cult groups. He emphasised that such practices cut short dreams, endanger lives, and hold no progressive future for anyone who indulges in them.
Ogbuku, who was represented by the NDDC Director of Alternative Dispute Resolution, Dr Goddy Ogedegbe, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to education and human capital development, stressing that it was determined to build a Niger Delta free from drugs and cultism.
The NDDC boss said the programme was aimed at combating the rising trends of illicit drug use and youth involvement in cult activities. He urged youths in the region to desist from drug abuse and cultism, describing the menaces as twin evils that can destroy their future.
The campaign featured lectures from key stakeholders, including Assistant State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Bayelsa State, Mr Godwin Erepa, who highlighted the strong link between drug abuse and cultism. He noted that cultists often rely on drugs to commit violent acts, manipulate peers, and engage in criminal behaviour. Erepa stressed that drug abuse affects everyone and condemned cultism as unlawful and destructive.
Inspector Iroro Ohwoharhoho of the Nigerian Police, Bayelsa State Command, also addressed the students on the legal consequences of cultism. He explained that cultism was a criminal offence punishable by up to ten years imprisonment, warning that convictions leave lasting negative records that could ruin future opportunities, noting: “It is referred to as a secret cult because it is a bad and demonic act, which is why it is conducted in secret.”
The Principal of Community Secondary School, Oruma, Mr Sunny-Obi Julius, expressed gratitude to NDDC for choosing the school for the sensitisation programme. He encouraged students to eschew cultism and drug abuse, reiterating that there is no future in such practices
