In line with the federal government initiative to ensure safety and secure environment for students in higher institutions, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has organized a capacity building programme for Safe School Response Team.
The programme was held at Nigeria Army, 2 Division, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ojoo Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The Oyo State Commandant of the NSCDC, Dr. Michael Adaralewa, in his remarks, said that the programme was held in line with agenda of the Commandant General to uphold the initiative of the federal government on safety and security of students and the school environment.
He maintained that training and re-retraining is a focal agenda of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, hence the organization of the programme for the Safe School Response Team.
“Training and retraining is one of the focal agenda of the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in particular is his commitment to ensuring that the Federal Government initiative of providing a safe and secure environment for students in our institution becomes an achievable dream.”
Commandant Michael Adaralewa, while urging all participants to take the exercise seriously and participate actively, advised them to apply what they learn in this exercise to contribute to the success of the Safe School Response Team.
In his keynote address, Major General B A Alabi, GOC Division, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, represented by Brigadier General BMG Martins, commended the authority of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for the initiative of this safe school project to protect the lives of our children.
“We want what happened in Chibok to be things of the past, we don’t want it for our children,” said Brigadier General BMG Martins.
The Commissioner of Police Oyo State, CP Adebola Hamzat, represented by AC Operation, ACP Ekanem Usen, also lauded the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Oyo State Command for embracing synergy among security agencies in the state.
He promised to continue to work with the NSCDC for National Security.
Giving the brief on the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre (NSSRCC), Commander Chief Superintendent of Corps Tersoo Shaapera, PhD, said that it it is important for all security agencies to strengthen their collaboration and synergized with one another and all relevant stakeholders in ensuring maximum security for schools.
The exercise for Safe Schools 2023 for the South West zone comprises delegations from Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Ekiti and Lagos State. It commenced on Sunday 1st and will end on Thursday 5th October 2023.
By Adekunle Adegboyega
