By Ovat Abeng
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has flagged off a two-day training of Schools Protection Squad of the Nigeria Police Force in Anambra State
The flagged off training exercise expected to end on Thursday, 31st October, 2924, was held at the Prof Dora Akwuyili women development center Awka on Wednesday.
In his address, the IGP who was represented at the event by the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 13 Headquarters Ukpo, Anambra State, AIG Godwin Ndidi Aghaulor, said the initiative will help reduce security threats across schools in the state, particularly, at the pro-security areas.
According to him, the initiative geared towards prioritizing, and improving security in and around our schools and learning institutions in Anambra State.
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“Our presence here today is a testament to our collective will and effort to support the Nigeria Police Force in promoting the Federal government agenda of prioritizing school protection in Nigeria, as this is one of the many strategic forums on school protection that has been initiated and ongoing in many parts of the country.
“I use this opportunity to commend the Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo, for his unwavering support and commitment to the course of school protection in Anambra State.
“In our efforts to promote a safe and conducive learning environment, we recognize the vital importance of strengthening security resilience in our host communities. The safety and security of our educational institutions are paramount, and it is imperative that we work together to protect and safeguard our students and educators.
“Collaboration and integration between host communities and security agencies play a significant rofe in fostering a secure and harmonious coexistence. And by coming together and building strong partnerships, we are proactively addressing the challenges and security threats faced by educational! institutions in our country, which if not done, can have adverse effects on the economy of our dear nation.
“The Force has also embraced the project by establishing the Schools Protection Squad (SPS) in all the States of the Federation and the FCT, as well as the training of State Coordinators and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) nationwide.
“The good news is that the challenges we face are not insurmountable. | therefore commend the National Coordinator Schools Protection Squad (SPS), CP Lanre Ogunlowo for driving the Vision-Mission of the Force with dedication. And other stakeholders for their dedication and commitment to enhancing security and promoting education in our community through collective efforts.
“As we embark on this important assignment together, let us reaffirm our commitment to working hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder, to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, educators, and community members. Together, we can make a difference and forge a brighter tomorrow for all,” the IGP concluded.
Declaring the training open, the State Governor, Charles Soludo, commended the IGP for choosing Anambra to be the first state to launched the Squad in Nigeria.
He noted that the initiative was in line with his administration to provide quality education in the state.
The governor was also represented by his deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Itam, in his earlier speech, said the initiative will further increase the confidence the Anambra people have for the Police and other security agencies on in protection of lives and properties.
While commending the IGP and his management team for remembering the command to be among the first, on the launch of the School protection Squad, the CP equally urged community leaders, school principals and other relevant stakeholders to support the initiative for a conducive school environment in the state.
It was gathered that the event that was also attended by Traditional rulers, sister security agencies, Civil Society Organisations and the media feature panel discussion/paper presentation by Prof Chigozie Nwafor of the department of Psychology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University and has the theme: “Strengthening security resilience and integration of host communities in the protection of education.