NDDC Anti-Cultism Campaign Promotes Peace, As Student Emerges Peace Ambassador

CALABAR, CROSS RIVER – An anti-cultism campaign organized under the auspices of the Niger Delta Development Commission has reinforced calls for peace, quality education, and responsible leadership among students in the Niger Delta, with Master Jerry Ikwa Eyong emerging as a Peace Ambassador during the event held in Calabar.

The campaign, themed “Say No to Cultism, Yes to a Better Future,” took place at NYSC Demonstration Secondary School and focused on the dangers of cultism and the need for students to embrace peaceful coexistence and education-driven development.

Organizers highlighted that cultism continues to destroy lives, dreams, and communities, while also contributing to violence, school expulsion, imprisonment, and insecurity across society.

The event stressed the importance of promoting peace and non-violence, fostering quality education, and encouraging young people to embrace opportunities and responsible leadership for the development of the Niger Delta region.

Participants were urged to stand together in promoting peace, unity, and educational advancement under the campaign slogan, “Education, Peace & Unity for a Greater Niger Delta.”

The programme, powered through the NDDC and implemented by Tamzats Ltd with components on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), targeted students as part of efforts to address cultism and youth violence through early sensitization and value reorientation.

A major highlight of the event was the conferment of a Peace Ambassador award on Master Jerry Ikwa Eyong in recognition of his commitment to peacebuilding and positive youth engagement.

Speaking with journalists shortly after receiving the award, Eyong described the recognition as both an honour and a responsibility.

“I feel deeply honored and humbled by this recognition as a Peace Ambassador. To me, this award is not just a title or decoration; it is a call to service, responsibility, and action,” he said.

According to him, the award signifies that people have confidence in his efforts towards promoting unity, understanding, and positive engagement in society.

Eyong noted that peace should not merely be viewed as the absence of conflict, but as the presence of justice, dialogue, tolerance, and opportunities for people to thrive together.

He assured that the position would not become dormant, adding that he intends to actively engage young people through sensitization programmes, community dialogues, mentorship, and campaigns promoting peaceful coexistence.

“As a Peace Ambassador, I do not intend for this position to become dormant or ceremonial,” he stated.

He further explained that his plans include collaborating with schools, community leaders, religious organizations, civil society groups, and the media to spread messages of peace, unity, and responsible citizenship.

The award recipient also stressed the importance of youth empowerment, noting that providing young people with opportunities and guidance would reduce their vulnerability to violence and criminal activities.

“To the people who found me worthy of this recognition and entrusted me with this responsibility, I sincerely say thank you. Your confidence means a lot to me, and I do not take it for granted,” Eyong added.

He called on government institutions, parents, youths, and community stakeholders to collectively promote peacebuilding and social harmony across the Niger Delta.

The anti-cultism campaign forms part of broader efforts to discourage youth involvement in violence-related activities while promoting education, leadership, and sustainable peace within schools and communities.