NDDC launches initiative to combat cult activity among Akwa Ibom youths

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Students of Community Secondary School, Aka Offot, Uyo, and Itam Secondary School, Itam, in Itu Local Government Area, have signed anti-cultism pledge forms to abstain from cultism.

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The students also received books, T-shirts and certificates of participation.

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They signed the forms during an anti-cultism sensitisation campaign launched by the Niger Delta Development Commission in collaboration with Bamor Fountains Limited in Uyo on Friday, with the theme “Education, Peace and Unity for a Greater Niger Delta.”

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Speaking at the event, the NDDC Director of Alternative Dispute Resolution, Godwill Ayewumi Ogedegbe (SAN), represented by staff of his office, Edidiong Udofia Nkereuwem and Azibagiri Tonye Okio, said the campaign was part of efforts to curb the growing spread of cult-related activities among teenagers.

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He stated that NDDC was dedicated to uplifting the Niger Delta region through targeted initiatives to enhance livelihoods, education, healthcare and socio-economic conditions.

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“This campaign is part of our efforts to stop the growing spread of cult-related activities among teenagers. NDDC is committed to uplifting the Niger Delta region through targeted initiatives to enhance livelihoods, education, healthcare and socio-economic conditions among youths,” he said.

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In his remarks, the Project Coordinator of the Awareness Campaign for Bamor Fountains Limited, Dr Festus Erewele, warned that cultism destroys lives, disrupts academic pursuits, promotes violence and, in many cases, leads to criminality and death.

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He advised students to remain vigilant and avoid suspicious groups and associations capable of ruining their future, while urging them to report any attempt at forceful initiation or intimidation to parents, teachers or security agencies.

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“Cultism destroys lives, disrupts academic pursuits, promotes violence and, in many cases, leads to criminality. I urge you to remain vigilant and avoid suspicious groups and associations capable of ruining your future. Report any attempt at forceful initiation or intimidation to parents or teachers,” he said.

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In his remarks, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Education, Prof Ubong Umoh, represented by Mr Anthony Sylvester, commended the NDDC and Bamor Fountains Limited for the initiative and encouraged the students to remain focused on their studies and become positive ambassadors in their schools and communities.

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“This collaboration is a laudable initiative. I encourage you, the students, to remain focused on your studies and become positive ambassadors in your schools and communities,” he said.

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Also speaking, security consultant and resource person, Mr Nnamdi Ibe, highlighted the various tricks and tactics often used by cult groups to lure unsuspecting students into membership, warning them never to succumb to pressure from friends or strangers.

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The State Lead and Facilitator of the programme, Prof Edet Udoh of the University of Uyo, commended the Niger Delta Development Commission and the Akwa Ibom State Government for supporting the anti-cultism awareness programme aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence in the Niger Delta region.

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In their separate remarks, the Principal of Itam Secondary School, Dr Usoro Umoren; the Principal of Community Secondary School, Aka Offot, Elder Ime Akparawa; and the Principal of Uyo High School, Mr Uko Udo, described the exercise as timely and necessary in view of rising security concerns in schools and society.

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