1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY

Cultism in Nigeria has become a house hold name in most the Nigerian communities and the activities are seen as normal before the citizens of Nigeria. The growth of cultism has significant effect on the social, political and economic development in Nigeria.It is evident that cultism started in the higher institutions in Nigeria back to the early 50s by Nigerian’s only noble laureate, professor Wole Soyinka and the effect is seen in most of the Nigerian societies; although the motive behind the formation was to put an end to tribalism, political injustice etc so as to enhance social life in most of the Nigeria campuses.

According to Adejoro (1995) stated that little did Wole Soyinka and his friends realized that they were making history nor did they come to terms with the fact that students and indeed youths radicalism was being given a national boost and the unleashing of a national vanguardThe development was paradoxical to the extent that they little realized that they were laying the foundation for what was to be transformed eventually into gansterism.
In defining cultism, Azelama, Alude and Imhonda (2000) noted that “cult is an assemblage of people united by certain ideals, or symbols and whose rites and ceremonies of veneration are unique and shrouded in mysteries with a secrecy that cannot be broken.” Maxey (2004) traces the meaning of cult from the Latin word ‘cultus’ which means ‘to worship or give reverence to a deity.’ Thus, in its original usage, it was simply applied to a religious worshipful group of people regardless of the object or person they venerated.

The prevalence of cultism has been seen in most of our communities, universities, organization and the Nigeria political system.In most of our communities the effect of cultism is seen in the destruction of properties, hindrances to infrastructural development, harassment and molestation etc. which in turn affect the socio economic development and well being of the people in most of these communities.

People find it difficult to go about their normal business especially those that trade at night. Cultism does not only affect the educational system in Nigeria but also the political system, the effect is seen most of the state during election. The study wishes to carry out a research on the effect of cultism on social, political and economic development in Andoni local government area using Ilotombi as the case study.

1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

The study on the effect of cultism on social, political and economic development in Andoni local government area was a result of setbacks in area of business, social well being of the people in Andoni local government area. The rate of joblessness and low standard of living has made the youths in this area vulnerable to becoming political tugs, arm robbers etc. to crown it all most of the youths in this area have just o’level certificate, some are still undergraduates.The effect of cultism is not only seen in the area of social well being of the people especially the youth but it is also seen on their academic achievement and the socio economic development in Andoni local government area.

1.3 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF STUDY

The main aim of the research work is to examine the effect of cultism on the social, political and economic development in Andoni local government area. The specific objectives of the study are stated below as follows:

1. To examine the relationship between cultism and the economic development Andoni local government area

2. To examine the effect cultism on the social and political development in Ilotombi town

3. To investigate on the factors affecting the growth of cultism in Ilotombi town

4. To examine the effect of cultism on economic and political development in Andoni local government

5. To proffer solution to menace of cultism

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTION

In order to ascertain the above stated objectives, the study came up with the following research questions. The research questions are stated below as follows

1. Is there any relationship between cultism and the economic development Andoni local government area?

2. What is the effect cultism on the social and political development in Ilotombi town?

3. What are the factors affecting the growth of cultism in Ilotombi town?

4. Does cultism have effect on the economic and political development in Andoni local government?

1.5 STATEMENT OF RESEARCH

HYPOTHESISH0: cultism has no significant effect on social, political and economic development in Andoni local government area.

H1: cultism has significant effect on social, political and economic development in Andoni local government area.

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY

The study the effect of cultism on social, political and economic development in Andoni local government area will be of immense benefit to the people of Andoni local government area, the students and other researchers that wishes to carryout similar research on the above topic as it will reveal the the effect of cultism on social, political and economic development in Andoni local government area.

1.7 SCOPE OF STUDY

The study the the effect of cultism on social, political and economic development in Andoni local government area is limited to Ilotombi town

1.8 DEFINITION OF TERM

CULTISM: A religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or false, with its followers often living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader.