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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
In a bid to combat the stronghold of cultism and organised crime in Bayelsa State, Nigeria, the Cancel Cults campaign has emerged as a beacon of hope for vulnerable youths in the region.
The Cancel Cults campaign, in collaboration with the government and Civil Society Organizations, aims to create an environment where youths thrive through legitimate means. By urging young people to seize available opportunities, the programmes seeks to dismantle the allure of cultism and other criminal activities.
The campaign which is part of a wider Brighter Futures programme backed by the UK government, has taken significant strides in transforming the lives of vulnerable youths in Ikorodu, Ageronmi Ifelodun, and Ifako Ijaiye local government areas.
The Brighter Futures programme provides skills acquisition programmes, community-based initiatives, and mentorship opportunities that empower vulnerable young individuals to build sustainable livelihoods.
According to the Bayelsa state coordinator for the programme, Philip Slaboh, a notable achievement of the programme is its focus on addressing past trauma and improving self-worth among beneficiaries. By doing so, Brighter Futures effectively discourages these individuals from becoming pawns in the game of crime, recognizing that a thriving community relies on the well-being of its members.
Slaboh, said with a focus on Amassoma and Amarata, the campaign is out to actively engage in initiatives to steer young individuals away from the perilous path of cultism and crime.
The Cancel Cults campaign, through a multi-faceted strategy, is leveraging platforms such as its Facebook page, radio talk shows, awareness events, school and community engagements, and partnerships with influencers to deliver targeted messages and interventions.
By reaching out to vulnerable youths through school mentorship programmes and sports initiatives, he said the campaign aims to sensitize them to the dangers of cultism while offering alternative pathways to success.
The coordinator further explained that in collaboration with the government and Civil Society Organizations, the Cacrl Cults campaign is striving to create an environment where youths can thrive through legitimate means.
He said by encouraging young people to seize available opportunities and promoting a culture of positivity, the program seeks to dismantle the allure of cultism and other criminal activities.
He added that campaign has made significant strides in transforming the lives of vulnerable youths in various LGAs. Through skills acquisition programs, community-based initiatives, and mentorship opportunities, the Brighter Futures program empowers young individuals to build sustainable livelihoods while addressing past trauma and enhancing self-worth. This holistic approach not only discourages involvement in criminal activities but also fosters a sense of community well-being.
Slaboh, commended the impact of the Brighter Futures Project, noting the positive transformation in youths previously involved in drugs and cultism.
The intervention programmes success in steering individuals towards a new path underscores the effectiveness of initiatives like the Cancel Cults campaign in reshaping the future of vulnerable youths in Bayelsa State.
