IGP makes case for Safe School Initiative in Imo State

By Everest Ezihe, Owerri

For two days now Imo State Police Command has been agog in a courageous move to enhance the security of Nigeria’s schools, the Inspector-General of Police IGP Kayode Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, led the Safe School Summit in Owerri within the week

DSP Henry Okoye, the Police Public Relations Officer Imo State Command told news men that the summit is part of the Nigeria Police Force’s Safe School Initiative, and the theme is, “Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities in the Protection of Education.”

Mr. Kanayo Uzuegbu, psc(+), an Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 9, Umuahia, represented the nation’s Inspector General of Police, IGP at the historical occasion as he emphasized the critical role of community policing in safeguarding educational institutions across the country.

It’s pertinent to report that the summit brought together teachers, security experts, civil society organizations, parents and government officials, all focused on creating safe learning environments.

This initiative also underscores the IGP’s commitment to addressing security challenges like cultism, kidnapping, and violence, which threaten students’ safety and educational progress in the country and South East region in particular.

The event was officially opened by the Executive Governor of Imo State Senator Hope Uzodimma who was ably, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu, who highlighted the urgent need for secure school environments and expressed confidence in the summit’s potential for concrete actions.

In his welcome address, CP Danjuma reaffirmed Imo State Police Command’s commitment to collaborating with other security agencies and community leaders to keep schools in the state safe

Adding his voice, CP Abayomi Shogunle, PhD, fsi, National Coordinator of the School Protection Squad (SPS) at FHQRTS, provided an overview of the Safe School Initiative.

Shogunle highlighted the seminar’s objectives and strategic approach, stressing the importance of building security resilience in schools and involving host communities in safeguarding educational institutions.

Distinguished guests at the summit included; HRM Eze Dr. E.C. Okeke, Eze Imo and Chairman South East traditional rulers Council; Professor BTO Ikegwuoha, Commissioner for Education; Hon. Modestus Osakwe, Commissioner for Homeland Security.

Others include; Hajiya Halima Lilya, National Coordinator on Financing Safe Schools; Heads of Tertiary Schools and Heads of Security Agencies. The summit also featured school officials, CSOs, and over 60 personnel from the School Protection Squad.

The summit featured key presentations, including “Security Awareness: Early Warning and Response Systems” by Professor Daniel Nkwuocha of Imo State University and “The Role of Students in Building Secure Schools” by ACP Linus Nwaiwu.

The event also showcased a vibrant cultural display by Imo State University Theatre Arts students and the Imo State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture.

The summit concluded with a vote of thanks from DCP Hammajoda Barka, who expressed appreciation to the IGP, stakeholders, and attendees for their support.
The event reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to collaborating with partners to ensure that schools in Imo State remain safe environments for students’ education.