EDO GOVT LAUNCHES ‘PROJECT RISE’ TO COMBAT CULTISM, PROMOTE YOUTH EMPOWERMENT

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating cultism in the state with the launch of a bold new campaign initiative tagged Project RISE (Resist Initiation, Securing Education).

The campaign, driven by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant on Special Duty to Governor Monday Okpebholo, is aimed at redirecting the energy of Edo youths toward education, vocational skills, and civic responsibility.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Senior Special Assistant, Uriesi Alex, described Project RISE as more than a campaign — “it is a movement to rescue the future of our youth.” He stressed that cultism has robbed too many young people of their potential, and the state government is taking decisive steps to fight back.

Alex, while attending Sweden’s National Day celebration at the Swedish Embassy in Abuja, officially introduced the initiative. He held productive talks with the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Her Excellency Annika Hahn-Englund, and other senior diplomats on the growing need for international partnerships in addressing cult-related violence affecting young people in Edo State.

“While Sweden celebrated its national heritage, it was a fitting opportunity to spotlight Project RISE — a campaign designed to protect Edo’s youth by resisting cultism and promoting access to safe, quality education,” Alex said.

According to him, Project RISE will operate as a multi-platform, statewide awareness drive, leveraging television, radio, university media, social media, print publications, and grassroots community channels. The campaign will collaborate with student groups, youth influencers, and higher institution outlets to ensure deep-rooted grassroots impact.

The statement added that Project RISE will partner with the Nigeria Police Force Anti-Cultism Unit and the Department of State Services (DSS) to educate youths on the legal implications and life-threatening risks of cult involvement. The initiative also plans to provide alternative opportunities through vocational training, mentorship schemes, and expanded access to quality education.

This project aligns with Edo State’s reinforced legal stance on cultism, following the passage of the Edo State Anti-Cultism Law in January 2025, which prescribes 15 to 21 years imprisonment for those convicted of cult-related crimes.