Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening school security statewide through strategic patrols, community partnerships, and enhanced safety measures.
The governor announced this at a Stakeholders’ Forum organised by the Nigeria Police Force on the Security of Schools in Ekiti State and the Schools Protection Squad (SPS) training. The event was themed “Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities in the Protection of Education.”
General Ebenezer Ogundana (Rtd), the Special Adviser to Governor Oyebanji on Security, who represented the Governor, highlighted that all primary and secondary schools in the State are included in a comprehensive security plan. He added that committees at both school and local government levels have been established to work with security agencies for rapid responses to potential threats.
He urged the Inspector General of Police to guarantee the project’s full implementation, pledging his administration’s endorsement in securing schools in the State.
During his speech, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in Zone 17 Headquarters of Akure, Abiodun Asabi, represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Ajo Jeoffrey, emphasised the significance of school safety and called on communities to remain vigilant and notify security agencies of any questionable conduct. He highlights that effective intelligent sharing is crucial for preventing school attacks.
The Head of the Safe Schools Unit, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, stated that the rise in the number of out-of-school children is a result of the nationwide challenges of school attacks, hence, the Federal Government’s initiatives to address this challenge, including the establishment of Safe School Response Coordination Centres.
Dr Olabimpe Aderiye, the State Commissioner of Education, praised the State Government’s measures to enhance school security through AGILE intervention, which includes installing perimeter fencing around secondary schools. She also revealed that Governor Oyebanji has prohibited using school premises for parties to mitigate the risk of exposure to unruly individuals.
In his opening statement, CP Akinwale Adeniran, the Commissioner of Police for Ekiti State Command acknowledged that Ekiti is among the few states chosen for the National implementation of the Schools Protection Squad program. Given the increasing insecurity threatening schools nationwide, he commended the measures as both timely and essential.
The event also featured the Commissioner for Information, Chief Taiwo Olatunbosun, the Chairman, Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers and Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti, HRM, Oba Ilori Faboro, representatives of security Agencies, Vice Chancellors, Religious Leaders, Schools Principals, Head Teachers, Corp Members, Students, among others.
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