The Nigeria Police Force has hosted a Stakeholders’ Forum on school security in Ekiti State.
The forum, hosted on Wednesday October 16, 2024, culminated in the launch of the Schools Protection Squad (SPS), a significant step towards ensuring a secure environment for students and educators.
Themed “Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities in the Protection of Education,” the event brought together various key stakeholders, including traditional leaders, school administrators, religious leaders, human rights groups, transport unions, students, and representatives from federal establishments and local security outfits.
During the opening ceremony, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, represented by his Special Adviser on Security, Brigadier General Ebenezer Ogundana, expressed his appreciation for the Nigeria Police Force’s initiative.
He stated, “I commend the Nigeria Police Force for this initiative and their efforts in ensuring the safety of students at all levels.”
The governor encouraged citizens to provide timely and adequate information to the police, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy towards criminal activities around schools.
He further urged university vice-chancellors and heads of primary and secondary schools to join the fight against cultism and cybercrime, declaring these issues as significant threats to security.
In his remarks, the National Coordinator of SPS, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, conveyed that the squad is an innovative intervention introduced by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbedokun, PhD, NPM, aimed at creating a safe and secure environment in schools. He urged attendees to engage with the resource persons and apply the knowledge gained during the forum.
Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Akinwale Adeniran, mni, applauded the Inspector General for selecting Ekiti as the first beneficiary of this initiative in the southwestern region.
“This is a giant step that will guarantee the security of students and teachers,” he noted. CP Adeniran outlined various protective measures implemented by the Command, including bush combing, community policing, timely communication, confidence building, and visibility patrols.
The commissioner also expressed gratitude to the Ekiti State Governor for his continuous support and acknowledged the cooperation of all stakeholders present.
State Commissioner for Education, Olabimpe Aderiye, echoed the sentiments of appreciation, stating that the initiative would create a secure environment for both teachers and students.
Leaders from the Ekiti Council of Traditional Rulers, including HRM Ọba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro, the Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti, and the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, along with Dr. Asiwaju Oludotun Adetuberu, Director General of the Homeland Intelligence Agency, also commended the Nigeria Police for their efforts.
They urged parents and school administrators to support the police in combating criminal activities around schools to foster a safer atmosphere for students.
The forum second day featured in-depth discussions on various critical topics, including “Fundamentals of Early Warning and Early Response (EWER) System in School Protection,” “Inter-Agency Collaboration,” and “Emerging Issues in the Security and Protection of Schools/Students.” An interactive feedback session provided an opportunity for participants to engage and share insights on enhancing school safety.
With this initiative, the Nigeria Police Force aims to fortify the security framework surrounding educational institutions in Ekiti State, ensuring a safe and conducive learning environment for all.
