By: Ike Philip Abiagom
A prominent Community voice and the Founder of Obi Nwaokocha Okeze Foundation, Pastor Idowu Okeze, has sounded a strong warning over the growing threat of cultism and drug abuse in Igbuzo, calling for urgent and coordinated efforts to protect the future of the town’s youth.
Speaking at a recent community forum, Pastor Okeze stressed that no meaningful development can be achieved without prioritizing young people, whom he described as both the drivers of today and custodians of tomorrow. He noted that a divided and distracted youth population cannot build a stable and prosperous society.
“An architect whose hands are divided, whose mind is troubled, and whose house is at war cannot build anything that will last,” he said, emphasizing the need for unity and shared purpose.
The cleric urged community leaders and stakeholders to confront the situation with honesty, warning that denial and silence would only worsen existing challenges. He lamented that recent developments have strained the peace of Igbuzo and weakened the resolve of its youth.
Pastor Okeze expressed grave concern over the increasing cases of cult-related violence, which he said have claimed the lives of many young people. He also highlighted the disturbing rise in drug abuse, attributing it to the easy availability of illicit substances and the growing influence of negative social behaviors.
Beyond these, he pointed to other destabilizing factors, including fraudulent land dealings, land grabbing, and the demolition of properties, all of which, he said, have contributed to insecurity and tension within the community.
Particularly troubling, according to him, is the deepening division within the youth body, Otu-Okwulagwe. He noted that internal conflicts have resulted in loss of lives, destruction of property, and a breakdown of trust among young people. He further attributed the crisis to political interference and attempts by external interests to manipulate youth leadership structures.
Pastor Okeze maintained that the youth body should serve as a stabilizing force, working closely with traditional institutions to uphold peace and order in Igbuzo.
To reverse the trend, he called for immediate peacebuilding initiatives, including a comprehensive reorientation of youth values, the establishment of effective conflict resolution mechanisms, and the safeguarding of the independence and credibility of youth leadership.
He also appealed to the Obuzor in Council and Igbuzo Community Development Union( ICDU) to ensure that its ongoing engagements produce a clear and credible framework for conducting free, fair, and widely accepted youth elections.Calling on all factions to embrace reconciliation, Pastor Okeze warned that continued internal strife would only weaken Igbuzo and make it vulnerable to external exploitation.
“Igbuzo cannot continue to fight itself while strangers walk away with our commonwealth,” he cautioned. “Let us unite and work together for the common development of our land.”