Why NUJ, NBA, ASUU, Religious Leaders and Traditional Rulers Must Join Forces in Okpebholo's Anti-Cultism Campaign

In recent times, Edo State has witnessed a troubling surge in cultism and related violent activities that threaten the very fabric of our society. As Governor Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the September 21, 2024 election, champions an anti-cultism campaign, there is an urgent need for key stakeholders across all sectors to rally behind this crucial initiative. This comprehensive approach could mark a turning point in reclaiming our communities from the grip of cult violence.

The Growing Menace of Cultism in Edo State

The scourge of cultism has evolved beyond university campuses to permeate secondary schools and communities across Edo State. What once appeared as isolated incidents has mushroomed into a sophisticated network of violent groups competing for territory and influence. The consequences have been devastating – countless lives lost, families destroyed, and a persistent climate of fear hanging over our communities.

"The situation has reached a critical point where no segment of society can afford to remain neutral," observes Dr. Osahon Ighile, a security expert who has studied cult activities in South-South Nigeria. "When young people as young as 14 are being initiated into cult groups, we must acknowledge that this is now an emergency requiring all hands on deck."

Okpebholo's Vision: A Multi-stakeholder Approach

Governor Monday Okpebholo's anti-cultism campaign stands out for its inclusive, multi-dimensional approach. Rather than treating cultism merely as a law enforcement issue, his strategy recognizes that effective solutions must involve educational institutions, professional bodies, traditional authorities, religious organizations, and civil society groups working in concert.

The APC governorship hopeful has consistently emphasized that "the battle against cultism cannot be won by government alone; it requires the collective resolve and coordinated efforts of all stakeholders in Edo State."

Why Key Stakeholders Must Join the Fight

Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ)

The media plays a pivotal role in shaping public perception and raising awareness. Journalists can contribute significantly by:

• Conducting investigative reporting that exposes cult activities and their sponsors
• Highlighting the devastating impacts of cultism on victims and communities
• Promoting positive narratives about youth who reject cult membership
• Providing platforms for public discourse on solutions to the cultism problem

"The pen remains mightier than the sword," notes Blessing Osagie, a senior journalist based in Benin City. "Through responsible reporting, we can help demystify cult groups and strip away the allure that attracts vulnerable youths."

Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)

Legal professionals have indispensable roles to play in the anti-cultism fight:

• Offering pro bono services to victims of cult violence
• Advocating for legal reforms that strengthen anti-cultism legislation
• Supporting swift prosecution of cult-related cases
• Organizing legal education programs in schools and communities

Barrister Osasu Igbinedion explains: "The NBA's involvement ensures that the fight against cultism proceeds within the framework of the rule of law. We must ensure that justice is not only done but is seen to be done promptly in cult-related cases."

Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and Other Educational Bodies

As guardians of our educational institutions, academic staff must be at the forefront of this battle:

• Implementing early warning systems to identify potential cult activities
• Incorporating anti-cultism education into school curricula
• Providing counseling and support services for vulnerable students
• Creating alternative platforms for healthy competition and self-expression

Professor Eghosa Osaghae of the University of Benin emphasizes: "Our educational institutions should be sanctuaries of learning, not recruiting grounds for cult groups. Educators must reclaim these spaces through vigilance and positive engagement with students."

Religious Leaders

With their moral authority and community influence, religious leaders can:

• Use their platforms to speak against cultism and violence
• Provide spiritual guidance and counseling to youth at risk
• Create programs that address the identity and belonging needs that drive youth to cults
• Facilitate rehabilitation and reintegration of former cult members

"Our faith communities must become havens where young people find meaning, purpose, and positive influences," says Pastor Emmanuel Omoregie. "The spiritual vacuum in many young lives is often what cult groups exploit."

Traditional Rulers

As custodians of our cultural heritage, traditional rulers can leverage their influence to:

• Invoke traditional sanctions against cult activities
• Mobilize community vigilance against cult infiltration
• Promote cultural values that emphasize peaceful coexistence
• Support rehabilitation programs for reformed cult members

His Royal Highness, the Enigie of Evbuobanosa, notes: "Our traditional institutions have always maintained mechanisms for social control. We must revitalize these systems to complement modern approaches to fighting cultism."

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)

The grassroots reach of CSOs makes them invaluable partners in:

• Conducting community-based awareness campaigns
• Implementing youth empowerment programs as alternatives to cult membership
• Monitoring and reporting cult activities
• Supporting families affected by cult violence

"Civil society represents the conscience of the community," explains Mrs. Patience Omoruyi, a CSO leader. "We serve as the bridge between government initiatives and community needs in addressing the cultism challenge."

Beyond Endorsements: Towards Concrete Action

While endorsements of Okpebholo's anti-cultism campaign are important, they must translate into tangible actions. Here's what a united front against cultism might look like in practice:

1. Regular Multi-stakeholder Forums: Quarterly meetings where all stakeholders share information, coordinate strategies, and review progress.
2. Community Watch Programs: Neighborhood vigilance systems supported by traditional authorities and supervised by security agencies.
3. School-Based Prevention Programs: Comprehensive anti-cultism education delivered through partnership between educators and security experts.
4. Youth Empowerment Initiatives: Skills acquisition and entrepreneurship programs providing alternatives to the economic incentives of cult membership.
5. Rehabilitation and Reintegration Mechanisms: Structures for reforming and reintegrating former cult members into society.
6. Public Awareness Campaigns: Coordinated messaging across media platforms highlighting the dangers of cultism and promoting positive values.

The Stakes Are High

The fight against cultism in Edo State is not merely about securing political points; it's about reclaiming our future. Each stakeholder brings unique perspectives, resources, and spheres of influence that, when combined, create a formidable force against the cultism menace.

"What we're facing is not just a security challenge but a fundamental threat to our shared values and aspirations as a people," warns Dr. Iyobosa Uwadiae, a sociologist at Ambrose Alli University. "The proliferation of cult groups represents a parallel governance system that undermines legitimate authority and institutions."

Conclusion: A Call to Collective Action

As Governor Monday Okpebholo advances his anti-cultism campaign ahead of the September 21 governorship election, the emphasis on a multi-stakeholder approach reflects a sophisticated understanding of the complex nature of the problem. The NUJ, NBA, ASUU, religious bodies, traditional institutions, and CSOs must now rise to the occasion.

The battle against cultism in Edo State requires not just endorsements but committed engagement from every sector of society. By forging a united front, we can create a comprehensive shield against the cultism menace and pave the way for a safer, more prosperous Edo State.

The time for stakeholders to take sides is now – not with political parties, but with the future of our youth and the peace of our communities. The question is not whether we can afford to join this fight, but whether we can afford not to.

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What role do you think each stakeholder should play in combating cultism in our communities? Have you witnessed the impact of cult activities in your area? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.

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