The Edo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, has launched a comprehensive campaign titled “Resist Initiation, Securing Education” (Project RISE) to combat the pervasive issue of cultism and redirect the youth towards positive development. This initiative, spearheaded by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Special Duty, recognizes the devastating impact of cultism on the potential of young people and seeks to offer them viable alternatives centered around education, skills acquisition, and civic engagement. Project RISE represents a significant commitment by the government to reclaim the future of Edo’s youth and foster a safer, more productive environment for their growth and prosperity.
The campaign adopts a multi-pronged approach, leveraging a diverse range of media platforms to disseminate its anti-cultism message and promote youth empowerment initiatives. This includes utilizing television, radio, university media outlets, social media, community channels, and print publications to ensure broad reach and sustained engagement. By targeting various segments of the population, Project RISE aims to create a widespread awareness of the dangers of cultism and the importance of education as a pathway to a brighter future. The campaign also recognizes the importance of grassroots mobilization and will actively engage university student groups and youth influencers to amplify its message and foster a sense of ownership and responsibility within the youth community.
International collaboration plays a key role in the success of Project RISE. The Senior Special Assistant on Special Duty, Uriesi Alex, took the opportunity to introduce the project during Sweden’s National Day celebrations at the Swedish Embassy in Abuja. This engagement facilitated discussions with Swedish Ambassador Annika Hahn-Englund and other high-ranking officials, highlighting the need for international support and cooperation in addressing the issue of cult-related violence. Seeking global partnerships underscores the Edo State Government’s commitment to tackling this challenge and its recognition of the shared responsibility in safeguarding the well-being of young people.
Beyond awareness creation, Project RISE focuses on providing practical alternatives for youth susceptible to cult involvement. The campaign emphasizes vocational training and mentorship programs as avenues for skill development and personal growth. By equipping young people with marketable skills and providing guidance through mentorship, the initiative aims to enhance their employability and empower them to become productive members of society. Furthermore, Project RISE advocates for expanded access to educational opportunities, recognizing education as a fundamental right and a powerful tool for social mobility and personal development. By investing in education, the government aims to create a more inclusive and equitable society where all young people have the chance to reach their full potential.
Collaboration with law enforcement agencies is another crucial aspect of Project RISE. The initiative will work closely with the Nigeria Police Force Anti-Cultism Unit and the Department of State Services (DSS) to educate youth on the legal and life-threatening consequences of joining cults. This partnership aims to deter young people from engaging in cult activities by highlighting the severe penalties involved and the potential risks to their safety and well-being. By combining awareness campaigns with robust law enforcement efforts, the Edo State Government aims to create a hostile environment for cultism and ensure the safety and security of its citizens.
The legal framework underpinning Project RISE is the Edo State Anti-Cultism Law, enacted in January 2025. This legislation mandates a prison sentence of 15 to 21 years for individuals convicted of cult-related crimes, reflecting the government’s zero-tolerance stance on cultism. The law serves as a deterrent and reinforces the message that cultism will not be tolerated in Edo State. Project RISE aligns with this strengthened legal framework and demonstrates the government’s unwavering commitment to holding perpetrators accountable and ensuring the safety and future of Edo’s youth. The campaign, therefore, encompasses a comprehensive strategy that combines awareness creation, alternative pathways for youth, collaboration with law enforcement, and a robust legal framework to effectively combat cultism and empower the youth of Edo State.
