Cultism in Schools: Council Chairman, Adepoju Reiterates on Preventive Measures

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.