The Niger Delta Development Commission says it has intensified its campaign against rising cases of drug abuse and cultism in the Niger Delta region. The NDDC managing director, Samuel Ogbuku, made the remark in a statement on Tuesday.
According to the statement, Mr Ogbuku spoke at a sensitisation programme held in Community Secondary School, Oruma, in the Ogbia council area of Bayelsa.
He said drug abuse and cultism had destroyed the ambitions of many young people, endangered lives and undermined the future of youths across the region.
Mr Ogbuku urged students to resist peer pressure, refrain from drug use, and shun cultism.
“Such practices cut short dreams, endanger lives and offer no progressive future for anyone who indulges in them,” he said.
The NDDC chief reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to education and human capital development in the Niger Delta.
He stated that the sensitisation programme formed part of efforts to curb the growing incidence of illicit drug use and youth involvement in cult-related activities.
“The NDDC is determined to build a Niger Delta that is free from drugs and cultism,” Mr Ogbuku added.
Speaking at the event, the assistant commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in Bayelsa, Godwin Erepa, highlighted the link between drug abuse and cultism.
”Cult groups often rely on drugs to perpetrate violence, manipulate peers and engage in criminal activities. Drug abuse affects everyone, while cultism remains unlawful and destructive to society,” Mr Erepa said.
Iroro Ohwoharhoho, representing the police command in Bayelsa, warned students about the legal consequences of cultism. He said cultism was a criminal offence punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
“It is referred to as a secret cult because it is harmful and involves practices that are contrary to societal values, which is why their activities are conducted in secret,” he said.
Mr Ohwoharhoho noted that convictions for cult-related offences could leave lasting records capable of affecting future opportunities.