In a bid to stamp out the scourge of cultism, drug addiction, and other criminal activities within its borders, the Abia State government has officially declared a state of war. This resounding proclamation was made by Governor Alex Otti during a compelling one-day sensitization campaign held in the vibrant city of Umuahia. The event, meticulously organized by the insightful Abia State Orientation Agency, stands as a firm testament to the state’s unwavering commitment to uprooting these societal ills.
Expressing deep concern at the alarming rate of youth involvement in criminal activities, Governor Otti emphasized the distressing correlation between illicit drugs, cultism, and the prevalence of criminal behavior. “Today, our young ones have involved themselves in consuming illicit substances that make them behave abnormally,” the Governor voiced, with an air of solemn resolution.
Governor Otti went on to articulate his administration’s unyielding determination to cleanse Abia of criminal elements, underscoring the primary goal of creating a safe and secure environment for all its citizens and visitors. Tackling the root causes of crime, the Governor highlighted the insidious links between cultism, drug addiction, and crimes such as armed robbery, kidnappings, and abductions, cementing the severity of the state’s resolve.
High-ranking figures lent their weighty voices to this crucial cause, with the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, unequivocally decrying the pervasive grip of cultism and drug addiction amongst the youth. He steadfastly assured of the Nigeria Police’s collaborative commitment with the Abia State government and other security agencies to combat this pressing challenge.
In a poignant exploration of the underlying issues, the keynote speaker at the event, Professor Maduebibisi Iwe, Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, astutely pinpointed unemployment and a feeble industrial foundation as key trials faced by Nigerian youth. His insightful remarks served to shed light on the multifaceted nature of these complex issues, igniting a deliberative dialogue on the broader socio-economic context.
Underscoring the gravity of the situation, the Director General of the Abia State Orientation Agency, Dike Nwankwo, highlighted the essence of the sensitization program as a pivotal tool in marshalling the forces to combat cultism, drug addiction, and other forms of criminality. This resolute endeavor was merely a stepping stone in the grander mission to fortify the state’s social fabric and chart a brighter, more secure future.
As the tides of change surge forth in Abia State, this fervent campaign stands as a cornerstone in the timeless quest for societal betterment. With the combined might of governmental willpower, community mobilization, and expert insights, the vanguard against cultism and drug addiction has been defiantly unfurled, heralding a new era of hope and resilience for the vibrant state of Abia.
