Groups collaborate to sensitize the public against drug abuse and cultism
July 24th, 2023
Civilian Anti-Cult Group, Edo Central partners with JOSEF and CEESF
to create awareness on the ills of cultism and substance abuse in Eo Central Senatorial District of Edo State
The Civilian Anti-Cul
t Group Edo Central senatorial district in collaboration with the Concerned Ekpoma Eminent Stakeholders Forum (CEESF) and Josemaria Escriva Foundation, Ekpoma organized a sensitisation awareness campaign against cultism and abuse of drugs among youths in the locality. This awareness campaign came as a result of the increasing cases of cult-related cases and also the reckless abuse of hard substances (drugs) in the community.
The President of the Civilian Anti-Cult Group Edo Central, (Dr) Kennedy Akhimien, urged the youths to desist from drug abuse and cultism and all forms of illicit acts capable of jeopardizing their future. He said that the youths can only have a secured future if they are able to stay away from drugs and cultism. He said that those involved have never had it smooth in their lives. According to him, most times they end up in death, hospitalised, and mentally derailed. He identified the causes of cultism and substance abuse to include; improper child upbringing, peer group influence, revenge/avenge, social identity, security, dropout syndrome, and choice of lifestyle. He opined that the consequences includes expulsion, murder, moral decadence, corrupt societal values, violence, spiritual problems, breakdown of law and order; and criminal tendencies. He called on the government and other security agencies to be up to their responsibilities. He did not leave out the sellers of these hard drugs, he reminded them of the consequences and that they should not allow the love of money to destroy the future of young persons
On his part, the Converner of CEESF and the Chief Responsibility Officer of Josemaria Escriva Foundation, Dr. Jude Obasanmi, admonished young persons to shun all forms of crimes and criminal activities including cultism, drug abuse, and other social vices. He said that the reasons why some youths and adults get involved are things that can easily be addressed through counseling and peer reviews. He advised all youths to be good ambassadors and of good behavior and to also abstain from anything that could jeopardize their glorious future. Adding that it does not only have an adverse effect on the abuser, it poses a great threat to the social, health, and economic fabric of the society and the entire nation at large. He admonished parents to reduce their laxity and they should wake up from their slumber. They should also act as models for their children to emulate, this can only be achieved through teaching of good morals and values.
Mr. O. Osas, an elder statesman in the Civilian Anti-Cult Group said poor socioeconomic status, peer-group pressure, family problems, and poor academic performance were commonly associated with drug abuse in Nigeria. The abuse has been a cause of many debilitating conditions such as schizophrenia and psychosis, leading to psychiatric admissions.
Other respondents who spoke during the campaign commended the organisers of the intervention and prayed for its sustainability. They urged parents and guardians to monitor their children and also engage them in all forms of activity that would shapen their future. They however advised the youths to do everything within their power to arrest the menace otherwise, their future and that of the country would be in grave danger.
Also present at the campaign were a team of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Police, community and tribal leaders as well as Media Representatives. The two days rally took the team to Ewu, Irrua, Ekpoma, and Iruekpen and there are plans by the organisers to take it to the nooks and crannies in Edo Central Senatorial District of Edo State.
