In a move aimed at safeguarding the future of young people and fostering a safer learning environment, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the University of Benin (UNIBEN) at the weekend pledged their commitment in the fight against cultism and other social vices among youths in Edo State.

The partnership was sealed during a working visit by the Edo State Director of NOA, Osahon Woghiren, to the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Omoregie Edoba (SAN), at the university’s main campus in Benin City.

Speaking at the meeting, Woghiren said the collaboration would focus on developing joint initiatives to sensitise students and other young people about the dangers of cultism, drug abuse, and criminal behaviour, which have destroyed countless lives and derailed many promising careers in the state.

He emphasised that the NOA was committed to creating awareness and reorienting the mindset of youths across Edo State through outreach programmes in schools, markets, religious centres, and communities.

According to him, combining the agency’s experience in grassroots sensitisation with UNIBEN’s reach among students would create a formidable front against youth involvement in cult activities and crime.

In his remarks, Prof. Edoba welcomed the NOA’s initiative, describing it as timely and necessary given the rise in cult-related incidents across the country.
He assured the NOA boss that the University of Benin would fully support the agency’s efforts by providing a platform for enlightenment campaigns, seminars, and counselling sessions targeted at students.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that UNIBEN had taken significant steps internally to curb cultism on campus, including strengthening disciplinary measures, enhancing security, and offering support services to students at risk of joining cult groups.

He said that the university looked forward to working hand in hand with the NOA to further reduce the influence of criminal gangs on campuses and beyond.

The duo expressed optimism that their collaboration would produce long-term results in discouraging cultism and other criminal activities among youths, thereby contributing to the peace, security, and development of Edo State.