In a resolute move to eradicate crime and enhance citizen safety, Abia State Governor Alex Otti has launched a comprehensive campaign against cultism and drug addiction in the state. The governor made this commitment on Tuesday in Umuahia, the state capital, during the inauguration of a one-day sensitization program organized by the Abia State Orientation Agency.
Governor Otti emphasized the administration’s unwavering commitment to eliminating crime and ensuring the security of both residents and visitors. He addressed the participants, stating, “No amount of alcoholism, drug addiction, or whatever it is that you have consumed will justify any action that you have taken that is against the law.”
The sensitization campaign, according to Otti, holds great significance as it aims to educate individuals about the profound implications of engaging in cultism and falling victim to drug addiction. He urged participants to take the initiative seriously, emphasizing the close association between violent crimes like armed robbery, kidnapping, and banditry and cultism and drug addiction.
“We have people today pulling themselves together and inflicting injury, hurt, hatred, and even killing fellow human beings. There is never any time you can justify it,” Otti added.
The governor advised participants to internalize the dangers of cultism and drug addiction to effectively impact others in the community. The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by DCP Sani Shuaibu, commended the campaign, describing it as timely. He assured stakeholders that the police were prepared to collaborate with other agencies and the Abia State Government to combat the challenges posed by cultism and drug addiction.
The Director General of the Abia State Orientation Agency, Pastor Dike Nwankwo, underscored the hazards associated with cultism and drug addiction. Nwankwo expressed confidence that the campaign would stimulate a cross-fertilization of ideas, leading to viable solutions to tackle the menace.
During a keynote lecture on “Building a New Abia Through Responsible Citizenship,” Prof. Maduebibisi Iwe, Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, identified key challenges facing the youth, including unemployment and a weak industrial base. He emphasized the imperative of responsible citizenship and encouraged everyone, especially the youth, to play an active role in fostering a better society
