BY BERNADETTE IDALU
The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, represented Governor Monday Okpebholo at the Nigeria Police Force Schools Protection Squad (SPS) stakeholders forum where he outlined the state government’s efforts to make school environments safer and more conducive to learning.
Addressing participants as the special guest of honour, Idahosa detailed the administration’s initiatives aimed at safeguarding schools, aligning them with Governor Okpebholo’s “SHINE” Agenda which prioritises secure and nurturing educational settings.
He highlighted measures already underway across Edo State, including the construction and reconstruction of perimeter fences around schools, the enactment of an anti-cultism law to curb cult-related activities, and the deployment of the State Security Corps to address security concerns on school premises.
Idahosa also spoke of the introduction of guidance and counselling officers in schools, tasked with mentoring students, conducting psychological assessments, and fostering positive attitudes among learners, all while maintaining strict confidentiality.
Stressing that school safety is a shared responsibility, he urged government, law enforcement agencies, parents, teachers, and host communities to play active roles.
He maintained that collective vigilance and cooperation are essential for achieving lasting security improvements.
The deputy governor commended the Federal Government for selecting Edo as one of the pilot states for the SPS initiative, describing the move as timely given national security concerns such as the Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction.
He also praised the Nigeria Police Force and Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, for taking bold steps to secure educational institutions.
Reflecting on the theme of the forum, “Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities in the Protection of Education,” Idahosa noted that collaboration and partnership were crucial to tackling the security challenges confronting schools and the broader society.
He added that every child deserved to grow in a secure and nurturing environment, describing education as the bedrock upon which a nation’s future is built.
Delivering the Inspector General’s message, AIG Zone 5, Benin, Salman Garba Dogo, explained that the SPS project is a community-based strategy designed to protect schools, empower students, and foster trust between law enforcement, educators, and families.
Dogo said the initiative was developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, government authorities, and the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), with emphasis on promoting vigilance, unity, and compassion within communities.
National Coordinator of the SPS under the Nigeria Police Force, Commissioner of Police Abayomi Shogunle, announced that 35 trained police officers have been deployed across Edo State’s three senatorial districts and are ready to begin sensitization campaigns under the Safe Schools Initiative.
A student of Western Boys High School, Emmanuel Osasere Egberanmwen, speaking during the forum, stressed the link between investment in education and national prosperity.
He observed that investing in an insecure environment yielded little benefit, and thanked Governor Okpebholo for his commitment to securing schools.
Emmanuel also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the SPS project, expressing optimism that the new security measures would allow students to learn without fear.
e noted that insecurity had previously been a major concern in his school but welcomed the intervention as a much-needed step forward.
The organisers revealed that 10.5 million Nigerian children are currently out of school, largely due to insecurity.
A cinematic simulation presented at the event demonstrated communal action against bandits and terrorists, tactics of espionage and infiltration, and the critical role of surveillance, information sharing, and technological tools such as drones in enhancing security.
Participants were urged to remain alert, report suspicious activities promptly, and work closely with security agencies to protect schools.
Following the forum, Idahosa also visited the Miracle Assembly Church in Benin City, where Pastor Jeff Iyonawan prayed for Governor Okpebholo and his team, asking for divine guidance and protection to enable the administration to fulfil its campaign promises and overcome any challenges.
