By CHIEDU UCHE OKOYE

The mayor of Dunukofia LGA in Anambra state, Chijioke C. Ozumba, has begged Dunukofia youths to shun cultism, stating that joining cult groups is signing pact with untimely death.

He made the plea when Anambra State Town Union Council (ASTUC), Youth Wing gave awards to six community role models at Dunukofia headquarters, Ukpo on August 8, 2026.

The six community role models were selected from the six towns that make up Dunukofia LGA, namely Ukpo, Ifite-dunu, Nawgwu, Umudioka, Umunnachi, and Nawgwu.

Speaking during the occasion, Ozumba narrated how he led a group that arrested cultists, who were arraigned before judges, and given various jail terms.

“When I was the youth leader of Akpu village in Ukpo, I led a group that arrested cultists who were taken to court and given court sentences.

“So cultism is not good because cultists live in fear. We are not cultists; and our Creed is not to kill one another. Rather, we love one another.

“But sadly, cultic activities are festering in Nigeria because of the erosion of family values in our society. So we should join hands to obliterate cultism in our society,” Ozumba said.

Again, the Dunukofia mayor said that people who had taken to perpetrating such criminal activities as cyber-crimes and other fraudulent acts would regret toeing those paths at the long last.

He explained that one could earn one’s livelihood either by selling goods or dispensing/giving skilled services to other people.

More so, the chairman of the occasion, Chief Izuchukwu Nwabueze, commended the ASTUC Youth leadership for providing a credible platform that mobilizes young people for community services, leadership development, cultural preservation, and others.

He set agenda for the ASTUC Youth Wing, urging it to perform functions that cover diverse areas, stating that its members performance of those functions would aid societal development.

“I would like ASTUC Youth Wing members to champion value orientation, support community development, promote skill acquisition, perform civic responsibilities, preserve our cultural heritage, engage in economic volunteerism, and partner with government for sustainable development.

During the award presentation ceremony, Chief Okafor Nnamdi Chibuzo, a native of Ukpo; Chief Igboanugo Christian Maduka, a native of Ukwulu; Chief Frederick Ezika, a native of Umunnachi; Chief Vincent Udobi, a native of Ifite-dunu; Chief Olisa Adinnu, a native of Umudioka; and Onyemaobi Augustine Nnonyelum, a native of Nawgwu were given awards for being community role models.

Among those that attended the event were SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Police Command; Ken Okoli, ASTUC Youth leader; and Chief Okechukwu Ezeabalu, who represented the chairman of the occasion.

Chiedu Uche Okoye is of the Anambra state ministry of information and value reformation.

•PHOTO: Sitting from left is the chairman of Dunukofia LGA, Chijioke Orumba; PRO Anambra state police command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga; and ASTUC Youth leader, Ken Okoli.

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