Speaker urges students to shun cultism, illicit drugs

Mr. John Gaul-Lebo, Speaker, Cross River House of Assembly, has cautioned students against cultism, taking of illicit drugs and other forms of crimes capable of truncating their future.

Gaul-Lebo gave the advice on Friday during a lecture at the Cross River State College of Education in Awi, Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the lecture, with the theme, “Inspiring the Youths Through Knowledge, Enterprise, Creativity and Innovation; the Cross River Model’’, was part of activities lined up to celebrate his 45th birthday.

The speaker told the students that involving in cultism and the use of illicit drugs were capable of jeopardising their future, hence the need for them to avoid such acts and take their studies seriously.

He urged the students to develop creative and business ideas that would get them engaged in micro businesses after graduation, rather and depending solely on white-collar jobs.

“As we all know, government jobs are fast disappearing; I am here to inspire and motivate you to rise above board and think of what you can do for yourselves after school.

“The future of this country belongs to all of you here. If you are determined to succeed in life, you must do away with cultism, taking of illicit drugs and other forms of social vices.

“As students, I urge you all to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and a career of creativity that would lead you to greatness.

“I encourage all of you to approach the Central Bank of Nigeria Entrepreneurship Development Centre in Calabar to learn a business skill that would make you self reliant’’, he said.

Mr. Hilary Bisong, member representing Boki II State Constituency in the Assembly, also encouraged the students to be good ambassadors of the state and Nigeria.

The Provost of the school, Mr. Patrick Abia, urged the students to be dedicated to their studies in order to contribute their quota to the socio-economic development of the country.

Abia appealed to the state government to assist the school with adequate funds, with a view to expanding infrastructure development in the school.

Mr. Jerry Oban, member, Student Union Government, who spoke on behalf of the students, appealed to the state government to include students of the college in its scholarship and bursary programmes.