Ogheneruona Tejiri, Warri
Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in partnership with
Triumphant Global Oil Synergy Limited has taken anti-cultism awareness campaigns to some secondary schools in Delta State.
The two-day exercise which commenced on at Emore Grammar School, Oleh in Isoko South Local Government Area of the state was aimed at curbing the menace in the society.
The organisers, thereafter proceeded to Yonwuren College, Ugbuwangue, Warri South Local Government Area and Ekpan Secondary School in Uvwie Local Government Area to round off the inspiring exercise.
In his remarks, Dr. Princewill Nengi,a Manager, Directorate of Alternate Dispute Resolution of the NDDC said that the Commission would continue to support and project programmes geared towards promoting peace in Niger Delta region.
Dr. Princewill said that the aim of the programme was to bring cultism to a zero level in the society in the region
Highlighting the consequences of cultism, Dr. Princewill urged the students to shun the social vices in order not to jeopardize their future.
According to Dr. Princewill, “the essence of this programme is to bring cultism to zero level and also ensure sustainable peace and progress in the Niger Delta region.
“NDDC will continue to support projects that promote peace in the region”.
The theme for the programme was: “Anti-Cultism Campaign, Say No to Cultism, Yes to a Better Future”.
In his presentation, Mr. Alfred Justice, the resource person described cult group as a group of people who come together to form a secret society that operate unlawfully.
Mr Justice, an Administrative Officer, Anti-Cultism Volunteer Corp, Delta State chapter, advised the students to avoid vices that could endanger their future and lives.
He expressed concern about the growing trend in cult-related activities among the youth, particularly students, he charged school managers to brace up.
The resource person
also advised parents to keep close tab on their children, emphasising that charity begins at home.
Mr. Justice highlighted some of the dangers of cultism to include: untimely death, destruction of one’s future, rejection, poor academic performance, maiming and among others.
Mr Justice identified changes in character, accent, academic performance, returning home late and among others as some of the traits parents and teachers should watch out for in the life of their children.
According to Mr. Justice, “to know that a child has joined cult, his character will change, he comes home late, his academic performance becomes poor, utterances changed. As parent or teacher, when you observe these traits, begin to ask questions.
“People should shun cultism, there is nothing good in it, it can lead to shortness in life span, unguaranteed future. The person may even be killed in the process, those who are into it are even trying to come out of it”.
Also, the representatives of the Nigerian Drugs Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) used the programme to address the students on the dangers of drugs abuse and the needs to shun intakes of illicit drugs.
In her remark, Mrs Esther Obrakata, Principal, Yonwuren College, Ugbuwangue, Warri expressed her appreciation to the NDDC and Triumphant Global Oil Synergy Limited for the audacious step towards eliminating cultism in the society.
According to Mrs. Obrakata, “I appreciate the organisers of this programme. I never knew it would be so elaborate. I almost turn them back when they came to request for our school.
“I give God all the glory for what I have seen today”.
Mrs. Obrakata urged the students to shun cultism and concentrate on their studies to earn a better future, adding, “I am appealing to students, please stay away from cultism, it will not do you any good.
“The government is strictly against it. You can see that people have come to speak against it, so stay away from cultism so that your way will be right with God”.
Mrs. Obrakata called on parents and teachers to always observe their children and students to identify strange traits in them and act accordingly.
A beneficiary student of Yonwuren College, Miss Amaka Okoro called for improved awareness on the scourge which according to her, had taken over the society.
Miss Okoro added, “we need to create more awareness about cultism. We should learn to speak out when we observed suspicious behaviors in our children”.
Miss Okoro commended the organisers for the enlightenment and urged other corporate entities to emulate them to effectively eradicate the scourge from the society.
Miss Emmanuel Rejoice, another student of Yonwuren College called for proper upbringing of children.
She urged parents and teachers to always observed their children and students, and take necessary actions whenever they observed strange behaviors in them.
Miss Emmanuel thanked the NDDC and the Triumphant Global Oil Synergy Limited for convening such a laudable programme and called for more of such gesture.
On her part, Miss Terebor Nora, student of Ekpan Secondary School said that parents had major roles to play in curbing the menace in the society.
According to Miss Emmanuel, “parents are more closer to the children than the teachers.
“Parents should monitor their children, check their books when they return from school, watch their behavior and their friends”.
Also Master Olayinka Sheriff, student of Ekpan Secondary School urged children to choose good friends.
Master Olayinka advised people to report their peers whenever they notice abnormal things about them.
He frowned at cultism, saying that it does more harm than good in the life of individuals, adding, “cultism involves a lot of sins, it affect both educational and social life of an individual. You can not actualize your dreams, the person may even die young”.
The Principal of Ekpan Secondary School, Mr Monday Mujakperuo who could not hold his joy, expressed gratitude to the NDDC and Triumphant Global Oil Synergy Limited for organizing such a programme.
Triumphant Global Oil Synergy Limited was represented by Mrs. Nneka Nwankwo
The exercise further featured questions and answers from the students, the organisers and the resource person.
End
