Clockwise: IGP Egbetokun, Popoola, PCRC Chairman, Gov. Abiodun and Alamutu, Ogun State CP
Acquiring and building of schools on large expanse of land is no longer security efficient and necessary in this digital age, the Chairman of the Ogun State Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Ven (Dr) Samson Kunle Popoola has advised.
He gave the advice yesterday during the panel discussion at the two-day Strategic National Forum On The Protection Of Schools And Other Learning Places, an aspect of the Inspector-General of Police Safe Schools Initiative which also included the inauguration of Ogun State Police Command “Schools Protection Squad” (SPS).
Popoola posited that in this digital age when the tuition and other educational needs of students are on mobile devices, it is not only wasteful to build schools on extensive land but it is also unadvisable as it presents a big security. risks.
The Chairman of the state PCRC insisted that a compact institution of learning allows easy surveillance for security operatives employed for such purpose unlike an unwieldy one that leaves many crannies for hoodlums to hide.
Popoola who professed at the forum to be a devoted Christian however advised that when it comes to security matters, everybody has the right to protect himself in any form he deems fit, even traditional.
Speaking earlier at the forum, the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, commended the leadership of the Nigeria Police for coming up with the initiative of the two-day training workshop for all Security Agencies in Ogun State which focuses on the ways through which Schools and other institutions of learning in the state's 20 Local Government Areas can be well protected.
He said schools are not only places of academic pursuit but also sanctuaries of hope, development, and growth for our children and youth.
"Unfortunately, in recent years, these institutions have been increasingly vulnerable to security threats ranging from violence to kidnapping, and other forms of unrest.The theme: "Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities," is timely and relevant, as it seeks to address one of the most pressing challenges facing our educational sector and our country at large. The need to safeguard our schools and the people within them cannot be overstated. Without the safety and security of our children, there can be no meaningful education, no sustainable development, and no future for our nation", noted the governor.
Prince Abiodun also noted that "It is essential that we strengthen the relationship between schools and their surrounding communities. Community engagement, collaboration, and participation in school security initiatives are critical to creating an environment where students and educators feel safe and supported".
He said "for us in Ogun State, we have made significant strides in improving security and safety across the state. Our security architecture includes collaborations with federal and state agencies, local security outfits, and, most importantly, the active participation of our communities. Our local security initiatives, such as the Ogun State Security Trust Fund and the Community Policing initiative such as Amotekun and So-safe Corps, have been designed to ensure that security is not only a government responsibility but a shared communal effort.
Governor Abiodun also emphasized the importance of integrating modern technology and intelligence-driven solutions into security framework insisting that the use of surveillance systems, information-sharing platforms, and data analytics can help to detect and prevent potential threats before they escalate. It is through these innovative approaches that we can strengthen our resilience and make our schools and communities safer.
In his own speech at the forum, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Alamutu Abiodun Mustapha said "Police, alongside educational authorities and community stakeholders, must work hand-in-hand to ensure that schools are fortified against any potential threats".
He also noted that "with the launch of the schools protection squad, we are marking a significant stride towards a holistic approach to school safety. This initiative is tailored to address specific vulnerabilities within our schools, implementing preventive measures, and promoting a culture of safety. Through comprehensive assessments, we will identify risks factors specific to each institution. Training programs will be instituted for educators, administrators, and security personnel, who will in turn leverage on the acquired skills to recognize and respond to threats".
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