CALABAR, Nigeria (FN) — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has called on secondary school students in Cross River State to reject drug abuse, cultism, and negative peer pressure, warning that such behaviours threaten their future and academic success.
The appeal was made during the Southern Senatorial District Secondary Schools Educational Orientation Summit held at Government Secondary School, Barracks Road, Calabar. The event was part of a broader campaign to reorient youth toward positive values and academic excellence.
Addressing hundreds of students, Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics Okon E. Eyo said drug abuse undermines ambition and leads to destructive behavior. “Drugs make you useless,” he said. “You don’t need drugs to become a doctor, lawyer, engineer, journalist, or anything you want to be.”
Eyo warned that drug use often serves as a gateway to cultism and criminal activity, especially among young people seeking identity or protection. He urged students to resist peer pressure and seek guidance from responsible adults.
The summit, themed “From Distractions to Distinctions,” was organized by the Cross River State Government to promote moral awareness and discourage social vices among youth. It follows similar outreach efforts in tertiary institutions across the state.
Afufu Anthony, Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Orientation, said the initiative was launched under Governor Bassey Otu’s directive to instill discipline and civic responsibility early in life. “We are here to reformat poor orientation and install a better mindset,” he said.
Anthony emphasized that the government is concerned about the rising influence of cultism, drug abuse, and social media misuse among students. He said the summit aims to equip young people with the tools to make informed decisions and avoid destructive paths.
Students responded positively to the message. “I’ve seen classmates fall into bad habits because of peer pressure,” said Esther Okon, a senior student. “This program makes me feel like someone is finally speaking directly to us.”
Teachers also welcomed the initiative. “We’ve been fighting this battle in classrooms for years,” said Mr. Emmanuel Effiong, a guidance counselor. “Having law enforcement and government officials reinforce the message gives it more weight.”
Parents attending the summit expressed hope that the campaign would be sustained. “We need more of this in rural schools,” said Mrs. Grace Bassey, whose son attends a nearby secondary school. “The children are listening, and that’s a good start.”
Security experts have warned that cult-related violence and drug trafficking are increasingly affecting younger demographics, especially in urban centers. They say coordinated efforts between law enforcement and educators are essential.
As the summit concluded, students took a pledge to reject drugs and cultism, promising to become ambassadors of positive change in their schools and communities.
