Youths urged to Shun cultism, embrace viable ventures

The Director General, Christian Youth for Peace and Development Initiative (CYPDI), Mr Simon Dolly, has called on youths in the country to shun cultism and embrace viable ventures to make them responsible citizens

Dolly made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.

He advised the youths against waiting for jobs from government as jobs cannot be given to everyone.
“Cultism is evil, the church, parents, traditional rulers and religious leaders must be firm and ensure that we have a cult free society.

“Many universities and institutions of higher learning had dismissed students involved in cultism, they intimidate lecturers, fellow students and make life unbearable for people; the societal ills witnessed today is due to cultism.

“The terrorism, armed robbery, kidnapping and many social vices in the country are as a result of cultism by some people who have sponsorship from highly placed people,’’ he said.

READ: Lagos Assembly sets up committee to review Land Use Charge Law

Dolly also attributed cultism to poor parental values, saying some parents are too busy pursuing money forgetting their responsibilities.

“A good number of the youths involved in antisocial behaviours are not born criminals, but for lack of the necessary family and social guidance they are tempted to embrace any association that gives them the needed protection, direction and sense of belonging.

“The deceptive political leaders who have looted the resources that should be channelled to youths and social development programmes are not making efforts to understand the magnitude of the problems facing the youths.

“Poverty appears one of the main factors that could push the youths into criminal behaviours,’’ he said.

Dolly said the constitution of the country do not support cultism, adding that a cultist is not allowed to occupy public office but they cannot be easily identified.

“Most cultists have their mentors at the high places; if they are caught in any crime they are bailed. If the society continues this way, there will be anarchy and jungle justice.

“The issue of cultism is a collective effort by parents, governments, traditional rulers and religious leaders,’’ he said.

According to him, it will be in the overall interest of the country that cultism at whatever level is eliminated.