Delta SSG, security experts and other dignitaries in a group photo with school children after the stakeholders forum meeting.
By John Egie
To contain security challenges such as kidnapping, murder and other related crimes which include destruction of school facilities that often lead to closure of schools and thereby increasing the number of out-of-school children, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun has launched a safe school protection squad in Delta State.
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The IGP also organized a 2-day stakeholders’ forum too discuss issues related to security in schools and the training of schools protection squad.
With the theme: ” Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities”, the forum which held in Asaba drew resource persons from the educational sector, Information Communication, Technology (ICT) and security experts who delivered power-packed lectures.
The IGP was represented by Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Zone 5, Benin City, AIG Salman-Dogo Garba.
Other top dignitaries that graced the occasion include: Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Elder Sheriff Oborevwori represented by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Dr Kingsley Emu; Chairman of Delta State Traditional Rulers’Council and Orodje of Okpe, HRM, Gen Felix Mujakperuo (rtd) represented by his second vice chairman, HRM the Obi of Obulunor.
Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi represented the National Security Adviser, NSA, Ribadu Nuhu while the initiative’s national coordinator, CP Abayomi Shogunle, represented service commanders of the various sister security agencies; school principals, teachers, secondary and primary school students and pupils, vigilantes, members of Nigeria hunters, Anti-cult, Man-o-war, members of civil society groups, members of National association of Nigeria students, among others were present at the occasion.
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In his remarks, the IGP said the safe school protection squad comprises officers specially trained and equipped to safeguard learning institutions and respond swiftly to distress or threats that may arise.
He described the squad as the heart of the safe school initiative team.
National Coordinator of the program, CP Abayomi Shogunle in further explaining the purpose of the program noted that the Safe School Declaration Document was formally signed by the Federal Government in December 2019, signalling the country’s commitment to a safer school environment.
He added that the right to education is central to social and economic progress and as such tantamount to investment in human capital development.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori commended the IGP for the initiative and determination of the police to keep schools safe.
The stakeholders’forum which began on Tuesday, ended on Thursday, April 24.
