The Nigeria Police Force on 16th October, 2024, concluded a Stakeholders’ Forum on the security of schools in Ekiti State and the training of the Schools Protection Squad (SPS).
The programme, with the theme: Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities in the Protection of Education, had in attendance various critical Stakeholders which included the Traditional Leaders, Schools Administrators, Religious Leaders, Human Rights Groups, FIDA, Transport Unions, Students, Bankers Forum, all Federal Establishments, as well as Sister Agencies and the Local Security outfits.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, the Ekiti State Governor, His Excellency Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, who was ably represented by his Special Adviser on Security, Brig. Gen Ebenezer Ogundana, commended the Nigeria Police Force for this initiative and their efforts in ensuring the safety of students at all levels.
The Governor, while encouraging all citizens to support the Police with adequate and timely information, promised to assist the Police and other security agencies to ensure the safety of all schools in Ekiti State, as his administration has zero tolerance for criminal activities around schools.
He implored Vice Chancellors across Universities as well as heads of primary and secondary schools in the State to all join the crusade in the fight against cultism and cybercrime, which are equally threats to security.
In his remarks, the National Coordinator of SPS, CP Lanre Ogunlowo explained that the squad is an innovative intervention of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbedokun, PhD, NPM, in ensuring safe and secured environment in schools. He urged all participants to pay rapt attention to the resource persons and ensure the implementation of all what will be learned.
Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Akinwale Adeniran, mni, during his welcome address hailed the IGP for selecting Ekiti State as the first beneficiary of the initiative in southwest region, saying it’s a giant step that will guarantee the security of students and teachers.
CP Adeniran mentioned Bush Combing, Community Policing and Engagement, Timely Communication, Confidence Building and Visibility Patrols, among others, as measures taken by the Command to protect schools and their environments.
The CP appreciated the Ekiti State Governor for his unending support while also acknowledging the presence of all the stakeholders and the cooperation the Command is getting from them.
The State Commissioner for Education, Olabimpe Aderiye, also commended the Nigeria Police Force for bringing the initiative to Ekiti state, adding that such measures will create a secured environment for both teachers and students.
In their separate remarks, the Chairman, Ekiti Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Ọba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro, the Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe and the Director General, Homeland Intelligence Agency, Ekiti State, Dr Asiwaju Oludotun Adetuberu, thanked the Nigeria Police for organizing such an important Forum and establishing such Unit in the Force that will respond to the security need of our schools. They urged parents and school administrators to continue to support the Police in the fight against criminal activities around schools and ensure a safer atmosphere for our students.
The highlights of the event was on Day2 where topics such as: “Fundamentals of Early Warning and Early Response(EWER) System in School Protection”, “Inter-Agency Collaboration”, “Emerging Issues in the Security and Protection of Schools/Students” and “Security Awareness on the Safety and Security of Schools/Stakeholders Responsibility in Crisis Situation” were discussed, as well as the interactive and feedback session.