By Chisom Okpala :
Anambra State Government has reaffirmed its commitment towards ensuring security of lives and property in the state.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim made the pledge at Prof. Dora Akunyili Women Development Center Awka during the training of Schools Protection Squad, that will help strengthen security resilience and integration of host communities in the protection of education.
According to him, a lot has been done in the education sector of the state and we are glad that the federal government through the Nigerian Police has awaken to the clarion call for the protection of these efforts made so far in schools.
Explaining on the need to protect the future generation, the governor stated that the state is making efforts to promote a safe and conducive learning environment, stressing that with the provision of infrastructures and adequate manpower, there is a paradigm shift in education in the state and people are now moving from private and mission schools to public schools.
He disclosed that more public schools will be built in state, as every community must have a public school, and called for community partnership that involves Traditional Rulers, President Generals and other structured organizations in ensuring safety in schools.
Speaking on behalf of Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Godwin Aghaulor stated that the SPS programme offers promising steps and measures geared towards prioritizing and improving security in and around schools and learning institutions in Anambra State.
He commended Governor Soludo’s unwavering support and commitment to the course of school protection in the state, stating that the safety and security of the educational institutions are paramount and it is imperative that all work together to protect and safeguard the students and educators.
The IG called for collaboration and integration between host communities and security agencies, stressing that it plays a significant role in fostering a secure and harmonious co-existence.
Also, Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Obono Nnaghe Itam noted that education holds the future for development and growth of Anambra State and the entire country.
He pointed the need to strengthen the security architecture of the state in order to provide safer communities and to ensure that schools, staff, students and pupils are protected, maintaining that the SPS programme will help to boost the confidence of the Nigerian Police, as well as foster the required partnership with other informal security agencies in the state.
The event was organized by the Nigerian Police Force Strategic Stakeholders Forum on the training of Schools Protection Squad (SPS)
- Okpala is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *