Gov Aiyedatiwa’s Aide Pledges Action Against Cultism, Announces Student Festival

The Senior Special Assistant on Student Affairs to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Mr. Kevin Solomon Olaolu has assured that the present administration is committed to reducing cultism in schools, particularly at the secondary school level.

Speaking during an interview, Mr Olaolu explained that the government is adopting a multi-pronged approach anchored on sensitization and counseling rather than force.

“We can only try our best to curb cultism to the barest minimum because total eradication may not be realistic. However, there will be a drastic change. What we are doing is setting up programs that will expose students to the dangers of social vices. For instance, we are working with the EFCC to educate them on cybercrime and the NDLEA to sensitize them on drug abuse”.

He stressed that many young people indulge in cultism and fraud because they lack guidance and a sense of belonging. “Proper counseling is the key. You cannot achieve great results with force. Even with your own child, you must first make him feel loved and guided before he can respect you. That is the same approach we are taking with our students,” he added.

Mr Olaolu emphasized that with consistent sensitization, mentorship, and government support, the menace of cultism and related vices will gradually be reduced, ensuring that students remain focused on education and positive development.

Speaking on the review of curriculum across the nation, Mr Olaolu said that it is one of the major projects his office has been pursuing, noting that it would not only benefit students in Ondo State but also across the nation. According to him, the initiative is aimed at helping government-owned schools catch up with private institutions and equipping students with the right knowledge to compete globally.

He revealed that plans are underway to host a program tagged Team Our Ease Student Festival, which will engage pupils from elementary to tertiary institutions.

According to him, the forthcoming International Students’ Day on November 17 will be used as a platform to deepen government’s engagement with young people in the state, stressing that the Student Festival will run for several days ahead of the celebration, featuring academic, cultural, and religious activities.

“The major program for Ondo State Student Affairs will take place either on Friday or Saturday before the International Students’ Day. We shall round it up with a thanksgiving service alongside Governor Aiyedatiwa on Sunday, the 16th, it will be a landmark event for students across the state,” he concluded.