Incessant cult clash: parental guidance, education, potential threat to cultism in Ogun -NSCDC
Raymond Osho
ABEOKUTA – The Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) in Ogun State has said that education and parental guidance are crucial tools for combating the rising threat of cultism in the state.
Cultism has become a growing concern recently in the state, particularly among young individuals in the Sagamu area of the state where there has been separate clashes among rival cult groups, claiming several lives.
The NSCDC Commandant, while addressing the press at the command’s office in Abeokuta, the state capital yesterday insisted that stakeholders must see it as responsibility to support the government in combating the vices in the state.
Commandant Ojelabi noted that quality education and parental guidance are potential threats in combating cultism in the state.
Ojelabi stressed the pivotal role that education can play in preventing youths from falling into the clutches of cultism.
He recognized the urgency of fostering an environment where young people not only receive quality education but also gain moral values and life skills that can steer them away from negative influences.
His words “When talking about tackling cultism in Ogun, we must talk about education. When you talk of schooling now, we are not only talking about western education but also parents too must give their children an informal education.
“We believe that the best way to tackle cultism in our society is through education,” expressed Commandant Ojelabi. “By providing our youth with access to quality education and instilling in them the values of integrity, discipline, and tolerance, we can build a strong foundation that resists the appeal of destructive ideologies.”
“Parents hold the key to unlocking the potential of their children. It is vital for parents to constantly engage with their children, listen to their concerns, and provide the necessary guidance to keep them on the right path.
He also stressed the need for stakeholders to support the state government in addressing the issues.
“All hands need to be on deck. parents need to play their part, tradition rulers and CDA need to play their part. These cultists live amongst us. People know where they work. NGOs, media too must play their part. we need to sensitize the youths. We should start sensitizing them from primary school.”
