NUJ Raises Alarm Over Rising Cultism in Oyo State Schools

…Calls for proactive security measures, return of out-of-school children

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, has called for strengthened security measures and renewed efforts to address rising social vices among students in the state.

The call was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the union’s monthly congress, The communiqué was signed by the State Secretary, Temidayo Adu, held on Saturday at the Press Centre, Iyaganku, in Ibadan.

The congress expressed concern over the need for heightened security consciousness across the state, urging government to adopt more proactive strategies aimed at strengthening the security architecture and ensuring the protection of lives and property.

The council particularly lamented the increasing cases of cultism, hooliganism, incessant fighting and the brandishing of dangerous weapons among students in secondary schools across the state.

It therefore urged relevant authorities to take decisive measures, including imposing sanctions on schools that fail to enforce discipline among students.

The union also stressed that parents must not abdicate their responsibilities in the upbringing of their children, calling on them to play more active roles in instilling proper values and discipline in order to curb the growing social vices among youths.

On public safety and social welfare, the council commended the state government for investing in the Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun Corps, as well as the recruitment of 100 personnel into the state Fire Service.

The congress, however, urged the government to provide improved equipment and better welfare packages for operatives to enable them perform their duties efficiently.

It also called for sustained efforts to return out-of-school children to classrooms and urged authorities to clear streams and rivers ahead of the rainy season to prevent flooding.

In addition, the union advocated equitable distribution of developmental projects across towns and zones of the state.

The council further congratulated the Oyo State Government led by Seyi Makinde on the successful hosting of the colourful 50th anniversary celebration of the state.

The NUJ commended the administration for the developmental strides recorded across key sectors of the economy in the Pacesetter State.