Uzodimma, IGP, stakeholders advocate collective effort for students safety, education development in Imo
He stressed that need to secure school environment from security threats and dangers for conducive teaching and learning is paramount for overall educational and societal development and progress.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and other critical stakeholders in the state have canvassed support from all and sundry towards achieving a secured school environment for academic excellence.
The call was made at the opening ceremony of the two-day Stakeholders’ Forum on School Security and the Training of the Schools Protection Squad (SPS) in Imo State, with the theme: ” Strengthening Security Resilience and Integrating Host Communities In The Protection Of Education”, held at Rockview Hotel, Owerri, on Wednesday.
In his remark while declaring the security summit opened, Governor Uzodinma, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Comos Iwu reiterated the commitment of his administration on education development and security of lives and properties in the state.
He however stressed that the task of enhancing education and security of the state should not be left for government alone and therefore called on well-meaning and wealthy citizens of the state to assist in ensuring that the students at all levels in the state enjoy conducive learning environment.
The Governor who further pledged his continued support to all security agencies in the state in ensuring adequate security and protection for all Imo citizens and residents, also advised the students to shun all forms of crimes and social vices, stressing that education remains a crucial path to becoming successful, responsible citizens and future leaders.
Earlier in his address, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, represented by the Assistant Inspector General of Police in-charge of Zone 9 Police Headquarters, Umuahia, AIG Kanayo Uzuegbu solicited continued collaborative approach in crime fighting and protection of lives and properties.
He stressed that need to secure school environment from security threats and dangers for conducive teaching and learning is paramount for overall educational and societal development and progress.
In his speech, the National Coordinator and Commissioner of Police for the Schools Protection Squad (SPS), Force Headquarters, Abuja, CP Abayomi Shogunle stated that the summit was designed to strengthen collaboration amongst security agencies, school authorities, and host communities towards the protection of all schools across the states in Nigeria.
The police chief urged all Nigerians, especially students to uphold the security mantra of: “If You See Something, Say Something”, assuring that the police remained committed and readily available to respond to security concerns and threats once given actionable information.
Also, the Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, recounted the achievements of the command in combating crimes and criminality in the state, including kidnapping and cultism activities within and around learning institutions in the state.
He stressed that through collaborative support from other security agencies and members of the public, the tide of insecurity has drastically reduced; adding that the sit at home order is a thing of the past in the state.
In their respective goodwill messages, the National Coordinator on Financing Safe Schools Program, Hajia Halima Iliya; Chairman, Imo State and South East Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Eze Emmanuel Okeke; State Commissioner for Education (Primary and Secondary Schools), Prof. B. T. O Ikegwuoha, State Commissioner for Homeland Security and Vigilante Affairs, Mr. Modest Osakwe, representatives of security agencies among other stakeholders commended IGP Egbetokun for the initiative and pledged their supports to safeguarding students and other members of school community from security threats and harm.
“As we walk this noble path together, we believe that every school can become safe and secure. And by investing in education, the cornerstone of human capital, we are not only securing the future of our children but also propelling economic growth and national development,” Iliya said.
The security event featured paper presentations on, ‘The Roles of Students in Building a Secured School Environment for Academic Excellence,’by the Chief Principal Security Officer to Imo State Governor, CSP Shabba Adamu Gboyako and ‘Security Awareness: Fundamentals of Early Warning and Early Response (EWER) System in Schools Protection by Prof. Daniel Nkwuocha of the Department of Sociology, Imo State University, IMSU, Owerri.
