From Owen Akenzua, Asaba
Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori has assured residents of his administration’s efforts to ensure that crime is reduced to the barest minimum through partnership with security agencies.
The governor made this known when he declared open, the Nigeria Police Force Stakeholders Forum on the Security of Schools in Delta State at the Government House, Asaba, on Tuesday.
Governor Oborevwori, who was represented by the Secretary to the State, SSG, Dr Kingsley Emu stated that the stakeholders’ forum was an attestation to the fact that security is everyone’s responsibility and that when it comes to the safety of schools and school children, parents and communities have a significant role to play.
He commended the Nigeria Police Force for the laudable initiative to confront the new security threat affecting educational institutions, while noting that it will be a grievous mistake if security agencies are left alone to carry the task.
The governor called for the cooperation and support of communities for the success of the Nigeria Police Force Safe School Programme, as they have a crucial role to play in the areas of intelligence gathering, environment surveillance and promptly reporting suspicious activities or persons to relevant security agencies.
He stated that he expects the forum to proffer fresh ideas and suggestions on how to strengthen the Safe School Programme to keep school children and communities safe.
In his address, the Inspector General of Police, IGP, represented by the Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, Zone 5, Mr Solomon Dogo, disclosed that the Safe School Programme is a comprehensive community-based strategy designed to protect schools in the country, empower students and build trust between law enforcement, educators and families.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Olufemi Abaniwanda stated that the IGP set up the School Protection Unit in order to guarantee the safety of students and pupils in schools across the country.
The two-day strategic forum has as theme, ‘Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of host communities in the Protection of Education.’
