… Advocates Safety Guidelines Into Schools Curriculum…
By Abisola Ariwodola,
Towards having basic knowledge on security measures for a safe environment, secondary school students have been charged not to be weak and were equipped with measures that will protect them personally, in school and in the society.
The students who convened at a day Public Lecture and Award Presentation tagged: “Personal Security/School Protection Amidst Various Threats to Security in Nigeria Today,” organized by the State Information Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Osun State, held at the Secretariat Abere paid rapt attention because of importance of security.
Addressing the students and participants at the programme, the Commander National Safe Schools Response Coordination Center, NSSRCC Abuja, Dr Hameed Abodunrin vividly explained the nitty gritty of security to the future generations.
He emphasized that the rise in security threat in the country has significantly impacted various sectors, with education being one of the most affected, adding that schools which should be a safe haven for learning and development, now face the multitude of security challenges that jeopardize the safety of students, staff, and the educational process as a whole.
Dr Abodunrin pointed out that issues such as physical intrusions, violence, cyber security threats, kidnapping, terrorist attacks, natural disasters, health hazards, drug abuse, theft and vandalism, and transportation safety poses security risk to the stability and effectiveness of educational institutions.
The national safety school Commandant asserted to the students that the best form of security is one provided for oneself, that understanding personal security is crucial, stressed that being security conscious demands the need for assessing security threats, developing security plan, and having physical security and a personal security practice.
Furthermore, he highlighted that the impact of security threats, which he said causes disruptions in educational activities can be tackled with access control systems, conflict resolution programs, cybersecurity education, awareness programs, security drills, emergency preparedness plans, health education, surveillance systems, safe transportation policies among others.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC Commandant of the National Safety Schools opined that having emergency preparedness, communication strategies, collaboration with security agencies, training and education, and psychological support is crucial for minimizing the impact of security incidents.
Dr Hameed Abodunrin used the medium to call on governments, to use comprehensive approach to provide relevant policies and laws for framework to implement security measures and holding schools accountable, with the government funding the initiatives, and giving training programs to to enhance safety and make available a secure learning environment.
Earlier in his welcome remarks as the Special Guest, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, pinpointed the importance of security and the readiness of Osun state Governor Ademola Adeleke to ensure adequate protection of lives and properties of the people of the state.
He commended the State Information chapel of the NUJ for being proactive to organize a program to complement the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke, as part of their duty as image makers of the government of the day.
The Head of Service, Mr Ayanleye Aina, who was represented by Acting Permanent Secretary of the Bureau of Human Resources, Mrs A.O Abioye lauded the guest lecturer, participants and organisers of the program for being security conscious, while affirming that personal security is paramount.
Buttressing the point that safety first is demanded in any security challenges, she hinged that the government of Governor Ademola Adeleke frowns at insecurity and have directed security operatives to ensure protection of students in schools, and also for the good people of Osun state.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Owa of Igbajo HRM Oba Dr Stephen Makinde, NUJ Chairman Osun Council Comrade Wasiu Ajadosu, representative of Osun NSCDC Commandant Akintayo Adarelewa, NUJ state, agreed that being security conscious is of utmost importance, and urge everyone to avoid walking on the road and pressing phone, not paying attention to details and to shun nonchalant attitude that could pose security threats.
The Special Adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke on Public Enlightenment, Hon Eniola Odeniyi, as well as Special Adviser on Education, Hon Teniola Lanlehin and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education Mr Murtala Jimoh, plus ANCOPPS President Mrs Awoyemi, all stated the readiness of the government to collaborate with the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Center NSSRCC Abuja, to provide the necessary training for students and teachers of the educational institutions in the state.
Highlight of the day lecture on Personal Security/School Protection Amidst Various Threats to Security in Nigeria today, organized by the Osun State Information Chapel led by Comrade Sofiu AbdulGaniyu is presentation of awards to Moniepoint Incorporated, NSCDC Osun Command and Oba Dr S.K Makinde, Onigemo 1, Owa of Igbajo, as well as the induction of the NSSRCC Commandant Dr Hameed Abodunrin as State Information Chapel Patron, and the questions asked by the students on more security insights, plus demonstration on usage of mobile first aid kit in emergency cases.