Retired Principals In Epe Highlight Solutions To Drug, Cultism Menace Among Students

Retired principals in Epe have highlighted the solutions to drug and cultism menace among students.

By Babatunde Kaka

Eko Hot Blog reports that the Association of Retired Principals of Secondary Schools of Nigeria (ARPSSON), Epe Zone, has sought an eradication of drug use and cultism in society.

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ARPSSON made the appeal at its annual end-of-the-year get-together on Thursday, December 8th, 2022 at the Salako Ground Event Building, Epe, Lagos State.

The event, which was celebrated in style, was well-attended by members of the association alongside well-wishers.

The annual get-together was chaired by High Chief Oriyomi Ayeola, President of International Cooperative Alliance, Africa.

It featured fun programmes such as medical check-up, games, music, dance, and a lecture titled “The Twin Menace of Drugs and Cultism in Secondary Schools; Any Way Out?”

Speaking in an interview with Eko Hot Blog, High Chief Ayeola underscored the significance of the gathering, applauding the retired principals for refusing to stay idle at home.

“This group of people is more or less a set when they were in service, for them relating together now is of great importance to their well-being. The retirement stage is a desirable stage that everyone looks forward to but of course very problematic,” he said.

“Therefore, instead of staying idle at home, forming a group like this to bring everybody together occasionally to have fun, discuss on their past, present and the future is of a great benefit to their health.”

Ayeola, who also doubles as the President of the Cooperative Federation of Nigeria, applauded the leadership of the association for tailoring the event around resolving the social menace of cultism and drugs in schools and communities across the nation.

According to the chief, both drugs and cultism are “siblings of the same parent, not only in the Epe community, but in the larger society, Nigeria.”

He suggested that the acts are consequences of the challenges of the Nigerian State.

Ayeola noted that the menace of drugs and cultism can only be eradicated through solving the problems of unemployment, poor economy, and bad leadership.

He, therefore, expressed hope that the next general election will usher in a better leadership.

The high chief also urged youths to shun all forms of violence and called on parents to be vigilant.

“Until we tackle the issue of unemployment and bad economy and bad leadership, these problems will remain with us. I want to pray and believe that the next general elections in Nigeria would bring on board a better Government that would strive to take adequate control of Nigeria and her economy,” he said.

“Day before yesterday in Delta State, four youths were reported to have been wasted through cultism. This is very unfortunate and worrisome. I, therefore want to appeal to the youths and the parents to be aware that they have reasons for being alive and the fulfillment of that destiny lies in them.

“I want to appeal to them to shun all these unacceptable behaviors. I appeal to their members to talk to the youths to bring them to their senses. I would want to also call on our Royal fathers and community leaders and even the government, more needs to be done to tackle this menace.”

On his part, the Education Secretary, Local Government Education Authority, Epe Federal Constituency, Otunba Shittu Idowu, applauded the retirees for the remarkable programme.

He averred that it was a therapeutic avenue beneficial to their health and survival to enjoy the gains of their decades of service to humanity. Thereafter, he joined the call for the eradication of the tragic cases of cultism and drug abuse in society.

“All stakeholders in the education sector have a lot of roles to play. As the Education Secretary, Government has put in place the implementation of school counselors across schools so that they can from time-to-time counsel our children on the implication of being a cult member and against all forms of vices while not forgetting that they must imbibe all the good virtues in the society,” Idowu said.

He used the medium to advocate for responsible parenting and adequate monitoring of students from all and sundry towards ensuring a safe and memorable festive holiday.

The education expert stressed that a calamitous holiday would be averted when the security and safety of wards at recreational gatherings are prioritised.

A State Executive of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Wasiu Ayeola, also weighed in on the discussion, saying it was inevitable for corporate bodies and all stakeholders to be affected by the tragic incidents of cultism in the community.

“The menace is condemnable from all of us. The smallest unit of any society is the family and they should go back to the drawing board. Fathers and mothers should rise to their responsibilities, they should endeavour to always talk to their wards,” he said.

“The traditional Rulers and well-meaning individuals of the society should continue to set a day aside to gather the youths and come to their aid in Epe Division. If all hands are on deck, the menace would be drastically reduced if not eliminated.

“As regards drug abuse, it is an act that complements cultism. Most of the activities of the cultists is an offshoot of drug use and if the menace of drug abuse can be addressed, the tide of cultism would be stemmed.”

Former Epe Girls’ Junior High School Principal and Epe Zone ANCOPSS President, Mrs. Beatrice Jonah, said stakeholders must make concerted effort to get rid of the twin menace of cultism and drug use.

“If we don’t take serious action with the current trend, the town may be difficult for people to work because of the adage that says when the criminals are being punished, the righteous would have their share. Everybody has to come together to make sure that right from school, they are caught young to ensure the expected change. The efforts must be regular and the effects would be wholesome,” she said.

Other notable dignitaries at the colourful event include former Education District II Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olaniyi Olayinka, Epe Local Education Authority Education Secretary, Otunba Shittu Idowu, and All Progressives Congress (APC) Chieftain, Hon. Olamiji Allison.

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Mrs. Akobada M.O, Mr. Oduwole F.M, Mr. Gbade Akinrinmade, and Epe All Nigerian Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools, Epe Zone, were also in attendance.

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