The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has intensified its campaign against the rising cases of drug abuse and cultism in the region.
The NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, made the remark in a statement issued on Tuesday in Port Harcourt by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs. Seledi Thompson-Wakama.
According to the statement, Ogbuku spoke at a sensitization program held at Community Secondary School, Oruma, in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa.
He stated that drug abuse and cultism have destroyed many young people’s ambitions, endangered lives, and undermined the future of youths across the region.
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 those involved,” he said.
The NDDC managing director reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to education and human capital development in the Niger Delta.
He explained that the sensitization program is part of efforts to curb the increasing incidence of illicit drug use and youth involvement in cult-related activities.
“The NDDC is determined to build a Niger Delta free from drugs and cultism,” Ogbuku added.
At the event, Mr. Godwin Erepa, Assistant State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Bayelsa, highlighted the link between drug abuse and cultism.
“Cult groups often rely on drugs to commit violence, manipulate peers, and engage in criminal activities,” Erepa said.
In his remarks, Insp. Iroro Ohwoharhoho of the Nigeria Police Force in Bayelsa warned students about the legal consequences of cultism.
He said cultism is a criminal offense punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
“It is called a secret cult because it involves harmful practices contrary to societal values, conducted in secrecy,” he explained.
Ohwoharhoho noted that convictions for cult-related offenses could leave lasting records, potentially affecting future opportunities.
