The Political Head of Irepodun Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Oluwafemi Olayinka Oladejo ‘Bantu’, has reiterated the dangers of cultism and drug abuse among secondary school students, stressing that these vices can severely damage students’ academic performance, health, and overall future if urgent and necessary actions are not taken.
Hon. Oladejo made this known during a sensitization campaign tagged “Say No to Cultism: Your Future Is Worth More”, organized for selected secondary school students within the LCDA.
Delivering his keynote address, the Council Boss emphasized that education remains the best legacy any child can have. He urged the students to shun cultism and drug abuse, warning that these harmful practices could damage the brain, heart, or even the entire body.
He charged the students to remain focused, ambitious, and determined in their pursuit of success, encouraging them to form reading and study groups, not cult groups.
In his welcome address, the Acting Head of Local Government Administration, Irepodun LCDA, Alhaji Kareem Bello, expressed appreciation to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, and the Council Boss for their collaborative efforts in organizing the campaign.
He noted a significant decline in students’ involvement in cult activities due to consistent yearly sensitization programs across the state.
He added that such programs provide proper orientation and promote impactful initiatives that benefit both students and the wider community.
In his contribution, Hon. Sunday Abiola, Councilor and Majority Leader of Ibadan North Local Government, advised students to reject cultism and drug abuse.
He warned that involvement in secret cults could endanger their lives and potentially lead to untimely death.
Also speaking, the Acting Director of Administration and General Services, Mr. Ganiyu Alimi, urged parents not to indulge their children when they go wrong.
He emphasized the need for discipline and warned students never to let their actions cause sorrow for their parents.
The Acting Director of Education and Social Services, Imam Shittu Hassan, encouraged the students to stay focused, respect their teachers, and prioritize their education.
The guest lecturer and convener of the event, Dr. Oluwafemi Michael, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Ibadan, applauded Governor Seyi Makinde for supporting the initiative, noting that it equips students with valuable insights and perspectives on the dangers of cultism and drug abuse.
Dr. Oluwafemi urged the students to avoid all forms of immorality, say a firm “No” to cultism, and strive to be proud ambassadors of their families, schools, state, and country.
The campaign, held at the LCDA’s Marriage Registry Hall, University of Ibadan, was well attended by political functionaries, Heads of Local Government Administration, departmental heads, staff members, and selected students from various schools within the LCDA, led by their teachers.
E-signed:
Kehinde Kemi Akintunde
Head of Information Unit
Irepodun LCDA, Ijokodo, Ibadan
June 18,2025
