The Ondo State House of Assembly, on Thursday, organised a public hearing on a bill for a law to provide for the prohibition of unlawful societies and cultism in all learning institutions and communities.

In a speech at the event, the speaker, Olamide Oladiji, said the bill was to modify existing law on cultism and unlawful societies in the state.

He said that cultism had impacted negatively on society, hence the need to legislate stiffer punishment.

“Cultism has eroded the moral foundation of our educational system and endangered lives.

“To achieve a lasting change, we must adopt a multi-stakeholder approach involving government, parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, school administrators, and civil society,” he said.

Mr Oladiji also said that the menace had become a major social and educational threat in society.

He also said that the scourge had reached an alarming level, particularly among students, saying it must be confronted decisively.

He urged parents, teachers, community leaders and religious leaders to intensify sensitisation efforts and continuously engage young people on the dangers of cultism.

He described cultism as a capital social offence that should attract stricter penalties to serve as a deterrent to others.

The public hearing was also held on a bill to establish the Ondo State Coastal and Waterways Management Agency (OSCWMA).

Mr Oladiji emphasised the importance of participatory lawmaking, saying that the legislature cannot function effectively without public inputs.

“We are here today to deliberate on two very important bills.

“The idea behind this public hearing is for every stakeholder to be part of what we are doing. The House makes laws for the Sunshine State, but we cannot do it in isolation.

“Every major stakeholder across districts must be involved so that the laws we make will reflect the will and aspirations of the people,” the speaker said.

He described the bill establishing OSCWMA as a visionary step toward harnessing the state’s maritime potential.

“The creation of the coastal agency is not merely a legislative exercise but a vision for social inclusion and sustainable development.

“It aims to unlock the immense potential of our natural resources while safeguarding our coastal heritage,” Mr Oladiji said.

He encouraged participants to contribute meaningfully to the discussions, adding that their insights would shape effective and people-centred legislation.

Earlier, the Deputy Parliamentary Secretary and sponsor of the bill, Oluwatoyin Allen, lauded Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for maintaining peace and initiating development projects in the state.

He described the two bills as timely and essential to the state’s socio-economic and educational growth.

“If these laws are passed and effectively implemented, they will bring numerous benefits to society.

“Many young people join cults out of ignorance, but the consequences are often tragic – from disrupted education to loss of life.

“This law will serve as a deterrent and promote discipline and moral values in our institutions,” Mr Allen said.

On the coastal agency bill, the lawmaker said there was a need to establish a regulatory body to manage, protect, and develop the state’s coastal and riverine areas.

“Our waterways are vital to trade, transport, and security. Unfortunately, many have become blocked or degraded.

“With this agency in place, it will tackle vandalism, kidnapping, and other crimes in the coastal region.

“The agency will also collaborate with security operatives, such as the Navy, Marine Police, and local surveillance teams through a proposed Coastal Guard Unit to enhance safety and surveillance,” he said. 

(NAN)