BY IFEANYI UWAGWU
GOVERNOR Sheriff Oborevwori has re-affirmed his administration’s commitment to reducing crime across Delta State, assuring residents that no effort will be spared in ensuring security through strategic partnerships with relevant security agencies.
The Governor gave this assurance while declaring open, a two-day strategic forum organised by the Nigeria Police Force on the “Security of Schools in Delta State”, held at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba. The forum, themed “Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities in the Protection of Education,” brought together, key stakeholders to deliberate on safeguarding educational institutions.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Kingsley Emu, Governor Oborevwori stated that the stakeholders’ forum was a testament to the fact that security is a collective responsibility. He emphasised that, in ensuring the safety of schools and school children, parents and local communities have a crucial role to play.
He commended the Nigeria Police Force for the laudable initiative in confronting emerging security threats to educational institutions, noting that it would be a grave mistake to leave the task solely to security agencies.
Governor Oborevwori called for the full cooperation and support of host communities towards the success of the Nigeria Police Force Safe School Programme. According to him, communities play a vital role in intelligence gathering, environmental surveillance, and the prompt reporting of suspicious activities or individuals to the appropriate authorities.
He expressed hope that the forum would generate fresh ideas and practical suggestions on how to enhance the Safe School Programme to better protect school children and their communities.
In his address, the Inspector General of Police, represented by the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 5, Mr Solomon Garba Dogo explained that the Safe School Programme is a comprehensive, community-based strategy designed to protect schools nationwide, empower students, and build trust among law enforcement agencies, educators, and families.
Similarly, in his welcome address, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, Mr. Olufemi Abaniwanda, noted that the Inspector-General of Police established the School Protection Unit to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students and pupils in schools across the country.
