…urges stakeholder collaboration for a safer Society
Cross River State Governor, Apostle Senator Prince Bassey Otu, has restated his admi
nistration’s strong commitment to the empowerment of young people and women, as well as the protection of vulnerable groups across the state in line with his People First agenda.
He gave this assurance in Ogoja during the flag-off of a one-day major sensitisation rally for the Northern Senatorial District, tagged “A Safer North: Campaign Against Social Vices – Say No to Drug Abuse, Cultism, Vandalism, Teenage Pregnancy, Cybercrime, Armed Robbery, Militancy and Related Offences.”
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Rt Hon Peter Odey, Governor Otu stressed the need for concerted action by all stakeholders to address the surge in social vices and safeguard the wellbeing of communities in the North.
“The People First agenda is not a slogan; it is the heartbeat of our administration,” the Governor stated. “We are determined to ensure that our youths and women are empowered with the right opportunities, values, and support systems that will secure their future. But government alone cannot win this fight. We must join hands, families, traditional rulers, schools, security agencies, youth groups, to build a safer and more prosperous Northern Cross River.”
The rally commenced with an energetic sensitisation walk from Girls’ Secondary School, Agoga Ogoja, through Mission Road, to the Ogoja Local Government Council Secretariat, the venue of the event. The walk drew large numbers of students, youths, community leaders, and security officials, sending a strong message of unity against social ills.
A key highlight was the unveiling and formal presentation of newly recruited Homeland Security Officers, comprising young men and women carefully selected from wards across the Northern Senatorial District. The recruits are expected to strengthen community-based security and early-warning systems at the grassroots.
Earlier in the day, the Director-General of the Homeland Safety and Security Agency (North), Mr Raphael Odu, officially launched the Campaign Against Drug Abuse, Cybercrime, and Cultism, describing it as a watershed moment in the fight against social vices affecting young people.
In his welcome address, Mr Odu said, “It is with profound gratitude that I welcome you to this historic engagement, the first direct district-wide interface on the societal ills threatening our future.”
“Today’s gathering is not merely symbolic; it is a bold declaration that we refuse to surrender our children and communities to the destructive grip of drugs, cultism, cybercrime, and other vices.”
He emphasised that building a safer society requires a multi-dimensional strategy rooted in community understanding, collaboration, and education.
“Our mission is to foster truth-driven dialogue and activate the Governor’s People First mantra by empowering our youths with the knowledge to build safer, more resilient, and more productive communities,” he added.
“This campaign is a call to action, to learn, unlearn, and choose a better path.”
The rally attracted a significant array of dignitaries from across the state, including, The State Governor, represented by the Deputy Governor Rt Hon Peter Odey, who was also represented by Ntufam Dr Peter Ojie; Major General Okoi Ubi Obono (rtd), State Security Adviser to the Governor; Distinguished Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, represented by Mr Edgar Ngbantul; Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon Sylvester Agabi Jnr and Hon Engr Thomas Aruku, Member representing Ogoja State Constituency.
Others are Hon Chief Christopher Agbeh, Executive Chairman, Ogoja LGA; Paramount Rulers of the five LGAs of the North; Dr Emmanuel Olayi, Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria (Cross River State) amongst others. Their presence signalled broad-based support for the anti-vice initiative.
A series of sensitisation sessions were delivered by representatives of the FRSC, NDLEA, NSCDC, NAPTIP, and the Nigeria Police.
A Federal Road Safety Corps representative warned that road crashes remain one of the world’s leading causes of death. He noted that drug and alcohol use significantly increases accident risks.
He outlined the dangers: Impaired judgement, Risk to oneself and other road users, Slow reaction time, Reduced coordination and lane deviation, Impaired or double vision and Poor attention and concentration etc.
He cautioned, “Life is too precious to be destroyed through reckless indulgence in illicit substances, especially during the festive season.”
Mr Galadima Lawal, Deputy Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA Ogoja Command, stressed the need for community-driven collaboration.
“Drug abuse is not a battle for one agency alone; it is a collective responsibility,” he warned.
“It is the gateway to banditry, kidnapping, rape, street fights, and various criminalities. We need community intelligence, because we do not practise magic, we rely on local cooperation to track offenders.”
The Area Commander of the Nigeria Police in Ogoja praised the organisers and reaffirmed the force’s commitment to community safety.
He pledged continuous collaboration with Homeland Security and promised the training and retraining of officers to enhance professionalism and compliance with the law.
Mr Ogba Jacob, Head of Operations, NAPTIP Ogoja Division, enlightened the audience on trafficking risks, highlighting exploitation, forced labour, and organ harvesting as critical concerns.
The event ended on a high note, with participants applauding the initiative as timely, impactful, and enriching. Many described it as a “knowledge park”, a space for learning, re-learning, and reflecting on better choices.
DG Odu, in his closing remarks, thanked all participants and urged communities to remain vigilant and committed:
“Let us leave here not just sensitised, but transformed and ready to protect our homes, our children, and our future,” he concluded.
The sensitisation campaign will continue across the Northern Senatorial District in the coming weeks.
By: Ebriku John Friday
