Lagos State Government has called on parents, teachers, media, religious institutions and the society at large to come together and address the increasing menace of cultism among school children.

This call was made by the Tutor General/Permanent Secretary of Education District IV, Mrs. Lola Are-Adegbite during the kick-off of series of sensitisation programmes on the dangers of cultism organised for secondary school students by the Ministry of Youth and Social Department School Social Services Department.

The Permanent Secretary, who spoke at Education District IV New Era Girl’s Secondary School, Surulere, Lagos, said that the menace of cultism could be curbed through inculcation of right ethical standards from parents and value re-orientation of youths, especially teenagers, adding that children must have good peer groups and be wary of the bad influencers in order to build good, acceptable and godly characters.

Are-Adegbite opined that establishing an ‘anti-cult club’ for those who will boldly say “NO” to cultism in schools would also be of immense advantage in the drive to nip the menace in the bud.

“Organising skills acquisition training for youth (which the State Government is already doing) in order to inculcate the spirit of self-esteem and reliance in them would also help in curbing the menace of cultism among school children just as the popular saying goes that an idle hand is the devil’s workshop,” she added.

A resource person, Barrister Biodun Ogundele, who made a presentation on curbing the menace of cultism, maintained that cultism can be curbed through discipline, resilience and hard work.

He advised the students to follow the footsteps of successful individuals who did not engage in cultism practice in acquiring their wealth, stressing that the desire to get rich quick led many school children into engaging in cultism.

He admonished the students to resist all forms of hooliganism, betting, bullying and to also report any unnecessary and suspicious peer pressure to the appropriate authorities.

Also, a representative of the Parents Forum in Education District IV, Deacon Olusoji Adams, urged the student to be of good conduct and responsible representatives of the school, state and the nation at large.

•Photo shows Lagos Deputy Governor and Education Commissioner, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule.

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