The Ogun State Government has announced plans to strengthen security around schools across the state in response to growing security threats and recent attacks on educational institutions in neighbouring states.
Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed this on Wednesday while hosting the League of Imams and Alfas at his residence in Iperu as part of activities marking the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
According to a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran, the initiative is aimed at protecting students, teachers, and school facilities from potential attacks and criminal activities.
The governor explained that the decision became necessary following recent incidents in neighbouring states, particularly the attack on schools in Oyo State where several students and teachers were abducted by terrorists.
Abiodun said the state government would work with security agencies and local security outfits, including the So-Safe Corps, Amotekun Corps, hunters, and vigilante groups, to provide adequate security around schools across Ogun State.
“We have decided to engage the services of our security agencies, including the So-Safe Corps, Amotekun Corps, hunters and other vigilante groups, to provide security in our schools. We need to do this to protect the lives of our future generation,” the governor said.
He added that traditional rulers, religious leaders, and law enforcement agencies would also be involved to ensure effective coordination and surveillance within school environments.
“We will mobilise the Amotekun Corps, the So-Safe Corps and all vigilante groups for the protection of schools across the length and breadth of the state. We will also provide stipends to encourage and support this initiative, and implementation will commence immediately,” he stated.
The governor stressed that the safety of schoolchildren remained a top priority for his administration, noting that proactive measures were necessary to prevent incidents similar to those witnessed in neighbouring states.
He said while prayers remained important in sustaining peace and stability, practical security measures were equally necessary to guarantee the protection of students and educational institutions.
“We must ensure that we put this kind of structure in place to guarantee the protection of our future generation currently being nurtured in various schools,” Abiodun added.
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The governor also announced the inauguration of a “Direct Impact Committee” that would visit communities across the state to identify and address pressing needs of residents.
According to him, the committee will facilitate the provision of transformers, boreholes, solar streetlights, and other essential amenities based on the specific needs of different communities.
Abiodun further revealed that the initiative would provide monthly financial support to 10 persons in each of the 5,043 polling units across the state as part of efforts to ease economic hardship at the grassroots.
He assured traditional rulers and religious leaders that they would participate in the selection of beneficiaries, describing them as critical stakeholders closest to the people.
The governor commended religious leaders for their prayers and continued support, noting that peace and stability remained essential for development in the state.
“You have contributed immensely to the peace we currently enjoy in our state. Development cannot thrive in a chaotic environment. Please do not stop praying for us. We also need your continued support for our law enforcement agencies so that we can sustain the peace and progress we are witnessing today,” he said.
