Hon. Akande Expresses Concern Over Youths’ Involvement In Cultism As Ibarapa Northwest LCDA Organizes Campaign Programme
By: Femi Ojedokun, Ibarapa
As parts of Governor Seyi Makinde’s efforts aimed at combating Cultism in Oyo State, the Ibarapa North/West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Igangan on Tuesday 24 September, 2024 held a campaign programme against the social vice.
In his keynote address, the Vice Chairman of Ibarapa North Local Government who doubles as Political Head of Ibarapa North/West Local Council Development Area, Hon. Bisi Akande described Cultism as a global menace that undermines the progress of any society
Hon. Akande said it was unfortunate that promising youths are lured with false promises of power and security to entrap them in a web of violence, fear and moral decadence.
The LCDA boss maintained that many of youths found themselves vulnerable to these organizations due to lack of guidance, economic hardships and societal pressures.
The Ibarapa North/West LCDA political head said to combat the menace, there was need to integrate awareness programs into the school curricular, empowering students with knowledge about dangers of Cultism.
Speaking further, Hon. Akande said parents, teachers and community leaders must engage in conversations with young people, offering a safe space to express their fears, ambitions and struggles.
The politician explained that the security agencies were doing their job but he appealed to individual to collaborate with them, sharing information and supporting their initiatives to dismantle cult groups, stressing that there must be alternatives to cult membership such as investing in youth development programs that offer mentorship, vocational training and recreational activities.
While appreciating Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for the laudable program,he advised the Oyo State House of Assembly to make stricter laws to deter these groups from recruiting and operating freely in the communities.
In an interview, the guest lecturer, Dr. Femi Michael from University of Ibadan admonished young people to disassociate themselves from unscrupulous elements, saying premature death awaits anybody involved in Cultism.He advised that young people should face their studies squarely and be prayerful in all their dealings.
