Okpebholo takes anti-cultism, drug abuse campaigns to secondary schools

By Ozioruva Aliu

The governor of Edo State, Sen Monday Okpebholo, on Wednesday, took his administration’s anti-cultism and drug abuse campaigns to secondary schools, saying that was a breeding ground for recruitment into the nefarious activities.

The governor said the campaign would be carried out in secondary schools across the three senatorial districts.

The campaign included the distribution of anti-cultism materials, sensitisation talks, and direct interaction with students.

Addressing students at the Edo Boys High School, Ihogbe College, and Akenzua Secondary School, Governor Okpebholo, who spoke through his Principal Security Officer, Austin Eigbiremolen, said Ihogbe College used to be notorious for cultism.

He reminded the students that his administration has zero tolerance for corruption, cultism, drug abuse and other vices, and that is why he made stringent laws against them.

Coordinator Special Security Squad, Amiolemen Idemudia, told the students not to allow their friends to lure them to join cult groups.

According to him, “Where cultism exists, you have retrogression. Keep away from cult activities. If your friend tried to lure you into the act, simply tell them it is not good.”

A former member of the House of Representatives, Hon Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, said the fight against cultism must be a collective responsibility of parents, community leaders, religious institutions and the youths and urged the students to choose life over violence, hope over fear, and progress over destruction.

“You must join to protect our communities, secure the future and build a safer Edo for generations to come.

“Cultism is not an option. Peace is the choice. Cultism is not a path to power, respect or success. It is a path to destruction, imprisonment and untimely death.”

Principal of Ihogbe College, Dr. Felix Ighodaro, said the school has become a refined place with good students.

He said the sensitisation was in the right direction towards curbing cultism in Edo State.

At Edo Boys High School, the principal, Mrs Christiana Ebewele, commended the initiative and said it should be extended to all other schools in the state.

On his part, the Senior Prefect of the school, Oghenerukevwe David, while advising his mates to be tempted into the vice, said, “They bully and tell us just join us, and then they will start luring us,” urging his fellow students to resist the lures.

Vanguard News

The post Okpebholo takes anti-cultism, drug abuse campaigns to secondary schools appeared first on Vanguard News.