Nkwoka Signs Anti-Cult By-laws For Idemili North, Tasks Youths To Embrace Soludo’s Skills’ Initiative

By Uzo Ugwunze–

The Mayor of Idemili North Local Government Area, Hon. Stanley Nkwoka (Ochendo Idemili), has signed into law anti-cultism by-laws for Idemili North LGA.

He urged residents to report anyone engaging in cultism, touting, or land grabbing.

During a press briefing held at the Idemili North Secretariat, Ogidi, Hon. Stanley Nkwoka emphasized that idleness would not be tolerated in Idemili North.

He encouraged all unemployed youths to register for the “1 Youth 2 Skills” empowerment scheme established by Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State.

Nkwoka stated that cultism was a prevalent challenge in Anambra, not just Idemili North. He cited a mass shooting last month that resulted in fatalities.

Following the incident, he convened a security meeting involving traditional rulers, town union leaders, youth leaders, and other stakeholders.

“We gathered and decided to create a by-law in Idemili North to address cultism, since the state already has its own laws.

“Our intention is not to prevent anyone from joining a cult, but rather to ensure that it is done discreetly, as it is a secret society. Openly engaging in cult activities will be a violation of the law,” he explained.

“There is no benefit in secret cults, so take it elsewhere. Here in Idemili North, we want peace. We developed a law, adopted the model, and the Congress of Councillors diligently passed it.

” Now, we have to sign it to make it operational. Another aspect of this is establishing a body to partner with the police and other security agencies to enforce this law effectively. While I may not be the Mayor forever, I will do my best to make this place a better place.

“I urge all youth leaders and youths to witness this. It is a symbolic law for Idemili North. I anticipate that it will help us curb cultism, land grabbing, and touting.

” I believe that from today forward, those involved in these activities will have to go into hiding in Idemili North.

“I call on the youths to remain vigilant and protect your LGA, towns, and polling units. People should not come from outside to cause problems here.

“Feel free to report any troublemakers in your area or contact us. We have a security architecture in place to intervene,” Nkwoka added.

Nkwoka also implored citizens to support the Soludo administration by voting for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the upcoming November 8 elections, stating that good work deserves more work.

Earlier, the Leader of the Idemili North Legislative Council, Hon. Samuel Anikpe (Oyinatumba), formally presented the by-law document to the Mayor, affirming their commitment to ensuring Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s re-election on November 8, 2025.

“The Legislative Council of Idemili North has enacted a bill, which has been transmitted to the Mayor for his assent, to prohibit secret cultism and related activities and to address related matters.
“We are essentially domesticating the homeland security laws of His Excellency in Idemili North,” he said.

Hon. Paul Okoye, Secretary of Idemili North Local Government, praised Mayor Nkwoka’s visionary leadership and assured the public that the council’s administration was fully prepared to implement and enforce the new law in the most populous LGA in Anambra State.

Hon. Ken Okoli, ASTUC Youth President and Youth Mayor of Idemili North, also attended the press briefing to support Mayor Nkwoka in signing up for the OYes campaign.

He stated that Governor Soludo was a role model for youths. “Every young person from this LGA, whether living within Idemili North or in the diaspora, is expected to sign up to demonstrate their support for the Governor.

“We expect all the youths from Idemili North to return and participate in voting on November 8, 2025, and to protect the votes because every vote must count this time around.”