A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Eye on the Future Initiative (EFI), in collaboration with the Precious Family Charity Aid Foundation, yesterday stormed Oviri-Ogor Secondary School in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State on a sensitization campaign against cultism that is ravaging schools across the country.
The initiative aimed to educate students about the dangers of cult involvement and other social vices.
The Executive Director of EFI, Comrade Josephine Omodior, who addressed students of the school about the manipulative tactics used by cults to recruit members, noted the associated physical, emotional, and psychological harms.
She warned that secret cults often engage in illegal activities, including drug trafficking and violence, and emphasized the emotional trauma faced by members, such as anxiety and depression.
“Cultism undermines peace in educational institutions and the society”, Omodior stated, urging students to remain vigilant and to report any attempt at recruitment to their parents or teachers.
She also encouraged those already involved in cults to seek help.
She said that; “Cultism is a serious social problem that affects many communities and societies. Cults often use manipulation, coercion, and exploitation to recruit and control their members, leading to physical, emotional, and psychological harm.
“ Secret Cults often engage in illegal activities, such as drug abuse, kidnapping and violence. Cults use fear and intimidation to control their members and the wider community.
“Cult members often experience emotional trauma, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. They often exploit their members financially, leading to economic hardship.”
She warned that secret Cults hinder social progress by promoting harmful beliefs and practices, adding that it can also create social unrest, which may lead to conflicts and instability.
“Cultism can damage the social fabric, leading to a breakdown in community cohesion and social trust. Cultism is a serious social problem that affects many communities and societies. Cultists often use manipulation, coercion, and exploitation to recruit and control their members,” Omodior added.
The EFI boss held out that eradicating cultism required a collective effort through education and community engagement to foster a safer environment for youth.
The campaign included the distribution of educational materials to students, reinforcing the importance of education in combatting cultism.
The principal of Oviri-Ogor Secondary School, Mr Aroture Oshevire, while commending the Executive Director of EFI for the initiative, noted its potential to educate students about the serious implications of cult involvement.
He advised the students that they should not allow themselves to be lured into cultism and other social vices in order not to destroy their future, saying that they remain the leaders of tomorrow.
