20th September, 2023
By George Edomwonyi
Auchi Polytechnic in Edo State has extended amnesty to four repentant cultists in a bid to foster a safer and more conducive learning environment.
Dr. Salisu Umar, the Rector of the Polytechnic, made this significant announcement during an address to the former cult members.
Speaking on Wednesday, he emphasised the institution’s commitment to maintaining a campus free from the influence and activities of cult groups.
All four individuals formally renounced their membership in secret cult groups in a renunciation programme organised by the institution.
The Rector also took the opportunity to encourage all students of the institution to consider the implications of their involvement in cults and urge them to choose the path of renunciation.
“Renouncing cultism means abandoning reckless lifestyles and evil ways, adding that no good thing comes from the devil.
“Auchi Polytechnic, in a bid to establish zero tolerance for cultism, has organised this renunciation programme.
“This renunciation programme is a kind of amnesty to enable staff and students who are cultists to renounce membership in such cults.
“After the renunciation programme, any staff or students who get involved in any cult-related activities, will face appropriate penalties and punishment,’’ the rector said.
He said the fight against cultism is a collective one.
“Churches and Mosques are not left out in the fight against cultism, they should also establish strong youth departments and programmes where youths can be mentored regularly, “he said.
He urged other students who didn’t want to publicly renounce their memberships to do so.
Earlier, Mr. Daniel Osita, who gave his testimony as a renounced cultist, commended the students for renouncing cultism.
“By making this decision, you have opened positive doors to your future,” he said.
He advised the students to be mindful of the decisions they make in life, pointing out that choices made by humans in life either make or mar their future.
NAN