The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has stepped up efforts to combat cultism and drug abuse through a sensitisation campaign targeting secondary school students in Bayelsa State.

The programme formed part of a region-wide initiative conducted across the NDDC mandate states of Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers.

The grand finale was held in Bayelsa State, covering four local government areas and several secondary schools.

Participating schools included Community Secondary School, Yiba-Ama (Oruma) in Ogbia Local Government Area, BDGS Yenagoa, Tarakiri Community Secondary School in Ayama-Ijaw, Southern Ijaw, and Ijaw National Academy in Kolokuma/Opokuma.

The campaign was designed to educate students on the dangers of cultism, drug abuse and other social vices.

Speaking at the event, NDDC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, said the programme was aimed at strengthening human capital development among youths.

Ogbuku, represented by the Director of Alternative Dispute Resolution, Dr. Goddy Ogedegbe, urged students to avoid activities capable of destroying their future.

He noted that the Commission's vision goes beyond infrastructure development to raising responsible and credible leaders for the Niger Delta region.

Assistant State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Bayelsa Command, Erepa Godwin, delivered a lecture on the link between drug abuse and cultism.

He warned that substance abuse often leads to poor academic performance, health challenges, criminal behaviour and involvement in cult-related activities.

Godwin advised students to shun illicit drugs and remain focused on their education.

Also speaking, Inspector Iroro Oworohowo of the Nigeria Police Force, Bayelsa State Command, highlighted the legal consequences of cultism.

He stressed that cultism remains a criminal offence under Nigerian law and warned that offenders risk arrest and prosecution.

Oworohowo encouraged students to remain law-abiding and become worthy ambassadors of Bayelsa State.

Principals of the participating schools commended the NDDC for the initiative and expressed appreciation for selecting their schools for the programme.

They described the campaign as timely and beneficial, urging students to apply the lessons learned in their daily lives.

The event also featured a presentation by psychologist Blessing Jacob-Timothy on "Cultism, Stress and Mental Health Among Students."

Students received further guidance on managing peer pressure, mental health challenges and making positive life choices.

McMatthy Nigeria Limited also presented Peace Ambassador Awards and certificates to the participating schools through its representative, Mr. Aye Obualla.

Some students who spoke with journalists expressed appreciation for the programme, promising to put the knowledge gained into practice.

The campaign ended with a renewed commitment by students, teachers and stakeholders to reject cultism, discourage drug abuse and promote peaceful learning environments.

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