ELEBELE YOUTHS RISE AGAINST DRUG ABUSE, CULTISM, CHAMPION PUBLIC SAFETY AT TOWN HALL SENSITIZATION

By Kelsthel News Desk

Elebele, Bayelsa State - Elebele community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State witnessed a renewed commitment to public safety on Tuesday, March 25, 2026, as youths, community leaders, women, and key stakeholders converged at the Elebele Town Hall for the second edition of a youth sensitization programme against drug abuse, cultism, and related social vices.

The initiative, organized by the Elebele Youth Movement (EYM) under the Security and Rights Opportunities (SRO) Project, with support from partner organizations, focused on promoting behavioral change, community responsibility, and sustainable peace.

In his address, the Youth President of Elebele Community, Comrade Arimor Thankgod Ata, described the issues of drug abuse and cultism as “critical and urgent challenges” threatening the future of young people and the peace of the community. He emphasized that the programme was not just about awareness, but about transformation and responsibility.

“The future of Elebele lies in the hands of its young people. We must educate, guide, and empower them to make the right choices. Together, we can build a community we are all proud of,” he stated, urging participants to take ownership of the message and extend it beyond the town hall.

Delivering a keynote presentation on “The Role of Youths in the Promotion of Public Safety through Sanitation,” Pastor Kelvin Loveday Egbo stressed that public safety goes beyond the efforts of security agencies, noting that it begins with individual responsibility and environmental cleanliness.

He highlighted the strong link between sanitation and security, explaining that dirty and poorly managed environments often create breeding grounds for crime and anti-social behavior. According to him, “where there is disorder in the environment, there is often disorder in behavior.”

Egbo further warned that poor sanitation contributes to the spread of diseases such as malaria and typhoid, weakening the community and hindering development. He encouraged youths to take practical steps, including maintaining personal hygiene, organizing regular clean-up exercises, protecting public spaces, and rejecting drug abuse and cultism.

“The future of Elebele is not in Abuja or Yenagoa; it is in the hands of the youths,” he said, calling on young people to become sanitation ambassadors and drivers of positive change.

Also speaking, Miss Favour Ogbogi delivered a presentation on “The Role of Women in the Fight Against Drug Abuse and Cultism to Promote Public Safety.” She underscored the pivotal role of women as mothers, caregivers, and community influencers in shaping the values and behavior of young people.

Ogbogi noted that early moral training, proper monitoring of children, and community-based awareness campaigns are essential in preventing youth involvement in drug abuse and cult activities. She added that women can further contribute by promoting counseling, supporting youth engagement programmes, and collaborating with community leaders and security agencies.

“When women stand together to guide and protect the younger generation, the entire community benefits,” she said, highlighting the importance of empowering women in community development efforts.

The Executive Director of the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), Dr. Fyneface Dumnamene, described the sensitization exercise as timely and essential. He noted that the programme was designed to equip young people with the knowledge needed to avoid social vices that threaten public safety and discourage development.

He expressed satisfaction with the participation of students from three schools in the community, stating that early engagement is key to building a responsible and informed generation.

Similarly, Joy Anohobi, who represented Spaces for Change, urged participants to maximize the opportunity provided by the programme to improve their lives and contribute positively to the growth of the community.

In his remarks, the Paramount Ruler of Elebele Community, HRH David Osene (Ogbolo XI), who was represented by the Vice Chairman of Elebele Community Development Committee (CDC), Famous Egbo commended the organizers and partner organizations for sustaining the initiative.

He noted that the maiden edition held in 2025 was impactful and expressed optimism that the second edition would yield even greater results.

He encouraged youths to actively participate in programmes that promote personal development and community progress.

The event attracted a wide range of participants, including youths, women, men, students, community stakeholders, and youth leaders from neighbouring communities.

Interactive sessions, questions, and contributions from participants added depth to the discussions, making the programme both engaging and impactful.

Organizers announced that the next edition of the sensitization programme is scheduled to hold in July 2026, as efforts continue to build a safer, healthier, and more responsible Elebele community.