The Executive Chairman of Ibadan Northwest Local Government, Alh AbdulRahman Olanrewaju Adepoju has reiterated that Cult activities can disrupt academic work, and affect students’ discipline if necessary preventive measures are not taken.
He stated this at the national campaign program on Cultism for selected secondary school students within the Council area.
According to the Executive Chairman, who was represented by the Secretary of the Local Government, Mrs Sarah Shobowale, it has been observed that students in primary and secondary schools engaged in nefarious activities to disrupt academic pursuits of innocent students hence the need for the sensitization program. He maintained that the constitution of the country permits every individual to join any association of their choice provided is not secret association. He charged the students to be focused, ambitious and determined in making their desired visions come to reality.
The Council Boss further implored parents and guardians to watch over their wards, maintain a good rapport with them and visit their schools regularly for updates on their academic pursuits and social activities in the school.
Earlier in her welcome remarks,the Head of the Local Government Administration, Mrs Rachael Olabode appreciated His Excellency, the Executive Governor of the state and the Council Chairman for their collaboration in organizing the campaign program on Cultism. She stressed that the sensitization program will give the students proper orientation on the hazards in being a cultist and other valuable initiatives that can have a positive impact on their lives and the community as a whole.
In their separate remarks, the Security Operatives maintained that the drastic
increase in cultism in secondary schools is very alarming. They reiterated that a lot of factors might contribute to students joining secret cult among which were peer group influence, Quest for power, poor parenting, social media etc. The security personnel counseled the students that joining secret cult or engaging in nefarious activities may lead to untimely death, educational failure and stigmatization hence, the need to stay away from the deadly and harmful association. They informed the students that cultism has no gain rather it’s a waste of time and resources.
Meanwhile, the security operatives have charged the students to report any threat or bullying from school mates, friends or relatives to their parents, teachers or the security operatives for immediate intervention.
While delivering his lecture, the Guest Lecturer and convener of the campaign program, a Senior Lecturer from the Political Science Department, University of Ibadan, Dr Olufemi Michael eulogised His Excellency, Engr Seyi Makinde for cueing into the proposal. This, according to the Lecturer will provide students with valuable insights and perspectives on the dangers of cultism. He said, “the sensitization program can help students engage with the topic, share their thoughts and experiences, and learn from one another”.
The Lecturer enjoined the students to shun immoral acts, say no to cultism and be determined to be proud Ambassador of their family, school, State and the country as a whole.
The Sensitization program which was held at the Council secretariat, Onireke had in attendance the Political Functionaries, Security operatives, NOA representatives, Director from Ministry of Education, Heads of Departments and selected students from secondary schools within the Council Area led by their Teachers.
