THE Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has committed to combating the problem of cultism and drug misuse among Akwa Ibom school students.
The campaign aims to educate young people, particularly secondary school students, on the risks of drug usage and cultism in order to maintain peace in the state.
While speaking during the one-day campaign in Uyo yesterday the interim Managing Director of the Commission, Emmanuel Audu-Ohwavborua, said the two vices had eaten deeply into society and wrecked the bright future of the younger generation.
In order for the youth to be able to contribute to development, Audu-Ohwavboua, who was represented by the Director of Youths and Sports, NDDC, Offiong Ephraim, urged them to flee the twin problems of cultism and drug usage.
He said, “We decided to embark on this campaign because this is the right time to catch the young ones and tell them why they should not indulge in drug abuse.
“The problems associated with drug abuse are so enormous to quantify. We all know that, even in our society, people are not sure of their safety because of cult activities are everywhere.
“After this seminar, if anyone approaches you to join cultism or indulge in drug abuse you should be able to say ‘no’ because of the dangers that go with these vices.
“So many people have gone haywire even mad because of drug abuse and cultism will not allow you to concentrate on your studies because if you are a member of any cult group, you may likely drop out of school.
Audu-Ohwavborua, who distributed 100 instructional materials to kids, including tabs and bags, advised them to act as ambassadors and advocates against drug use and cults in their individual schools in order to encourage their colleagues to avoid such practices.
