The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in collaboration with the Ayuele Clan Progressive Association held a one-day symposium focused on the pressing issues of drug abuse and cultism at the weekend. The event, attended by students from twelve secondary schools, featured a presentation from NDLEA Edo State Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju, PhD.
Commander Ofoyeju shed light on the alarming rise in drug-related issues in Edo State, emphasizing the critical role of stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and community leaders, in addressing these challenges. “The fight against drug abuse and cultism is not solely the responsibility of law enforcement; it requires a collaborative effort from all sectors of society,” he remarked during his presentation on “Anti-drug and Cultism Campaign: The Role of Stakeholders.”
The keynote address was delivered by Comrade Grace Obakina while the event was chaired by Mahmud Abdulrazak. The symposium commenced with an address by the President of the Ayuele Clan Progressive Association, Alhaji Abubakar Momodu, who urged participants to actively engage in combating the scourge of cultism and drug abuse. “It is imperative that we unite as a community to protect our youth and foster an environment where they can thrive without the influence of these negative elements,” Momodu asserted.
The symposium also provided a platform for students from various schools—including Excellence School, Amina Foundation School, Hill Station School, Momodu College, and Ayuele Secondary School, among others—to engage with the speakers through an interactive question-and-answer session. The students posed thought-provoking inquiries on how to resist the temptations of drug abuse and cultism, reflecting their eagerness to learn and seek guidance on these critical issues.
The participating schools included Ugheole Secondary School, Unique Child Academy, An_nur Comprehensive School, Young Intellectual Academy, Ughilde Secondary School, Elate Demonstration School, and Spring Leaders School Aveile. The involvement of these institutions highlights the community’s proactive approach to nurturing well-informed youths who are equipped to make positive life choices.
The event concluded with a collective resolve among attendees to advocate for safer environments for young people in Edo State, reinforcing the idea that it takes a village to raise a child. As communities rally together, the hope shines bright for a future where our youth are shielded from the grip of drug abuse and the allure of cultism.
