Ondo Assembly Pledges Support for Safe Schools Initiative

The Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Chief) Olamide Oladiji, has assured that the Assembly will support all initiatives aimed at strengthening security in schools across the State, as part of efforts to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for students and teachers.

Oladiji gave the assurance while receiving officials of the Safe School Response Coordination Centre at the Assembly complex in AKure.

He noted that security remains a major concern for Nigerians, stressing that initiatives such as the Safe School Programme would help reduce incidents of kidnapping, banditry and other forms of criminal activity threatening schools and communities across the country.

The Speaker stated that the Assembly remains committed to the welfare and safety of the people of Ondo State, noting that protecting lives and property is a critical responsibility of government and lawmakers.

He urged the officials of the unit to always reach out to the House whenever the need arises and to keep the Assembly informed about the programmes and activities of the centre in the State.

Earlier in her remarks, the Coordinator of the Safe School Response Coordination Centre, Deputy Commander , Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Olakanse Folasade, explained that the Safe School Unit was introduced by the Federal Government of Nigeria following the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls in 2014, with the aim of strengthening security in both public and private schools across the country.

She noted that the unit is responsible for coordinating security agencies to safeguard schools, conducting risk assessments of educational institutions, and providing timely reports on schools that require urgent security intervention, as well as infrastructural improvements such as perimeter fencing, access control and other safety measures.

DCC Olakanse further explained that the unit recognises the importance of legislators as key stakeholders and implementing partners in ensuring the success of the initiative, hence the visit to the Assembly to seek collaboration and legislative support for the effective implementation of the Safe School Programme in the state.

In his vote of thanks, the Clerk of the House, Barr. Benjamin Jayeola, appreciated the Speaker and members of the Assembly for creating time to receive the delegation despite their busy schedules.

He encouraged the officials of the centre to take advantage of the Speaker’s assurance of the Assembly’s support, noting that the House remains committed to partnering with relevant agencies in promoting safety and security across the state.