OGUN INAUGURATES COMMITTEE ON SECURITY IN SCHOOLS

 OGUN INAUGURATES COMMITTEE ON SECURITY IN SCHOOLS

 The Ogun State Government has inaugurated a 22-man Committee towards safeguarding and protecting children, as well as proffering possible solutions to security challenges in schools.

Speaking in Abeokuta during the inaugural meeting of the committee whose members were drawn from the Ministries of Justice, Women Affairs and Social Development, security agencies, among other relevant agencies, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, said           security issues, particularly in schools should be addressed promptly.

Arigbabu pointed out that the inauguration was apt, especially now that the country is facing security challenges, assuring that resolutions made would be implemented, so that the children could learn in a conducive environment without fear of kidnap or any form of unrest.

"We have come up with very important points as regards our children’s safety, for them to be able to learn in a conducive environment without fear of kidnap or any form of unrest. As a State, we don't want such to happen before we take actions", the Commissioner said.

In his submission, the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Akingbolahan Adeniran, reiterated that the need to have adequate security measures in schools cannot be over-emphasised, adding that all hands must be on deck to ensure the safety and protection of students at all times.

Adeniran stated that plan is underway to amend the Child Act's law in the State, to address child abuse and identify the current criminal trends, as it affects children.

In his address, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Edward Ajogun, who explained that safe schools' initiative is an integral part of community policing aimed at eradicating anti-social behaviours such as bullying, ethnic violence, sexual assaults, drug abuse, among students, said necessary security measures should be put in place in such a way that teaching and learning are not distracted.

Ajogun, represented by the Assistant Commissioner for Police, AC Operations, Bolanle Murtala said the discourse was imperative in developing a pro-active intelligence strategy, to prevent kidnapping of school children being experienced in some parts of the country did not happen in the State.

In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, AIG Olushola Subair Rtd, submitted that students and teachers should be trained on security tips, self- defense and quick identification of conditions that are threatening., adding that the security meeting with other operatives is essential at this time.

Highlight of the meeting was the creation of two sub-committees, Security and Safeguarding and Child Rights Protection/ Safeguarding.