NSCDC Oyo State Command Seeks Stronger Partnership With NOA On Safe School Initiative.

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Raji Adebayo

In a move to curb social disorder within the learning community, promote security awareness, and ensure a safe and secure environment devoid of distractions and undue anxiety, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, has called for stronger collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Oyo State Directorate.

The call was made during a courtesy visit to the Agency by the Safe School Initiative Unit of the Corps.

Leading the delegation, DCC Eremionkhale Odion Patricia, Coordinator of the Safe Schools Programme, Oyo State Command Headquarters, stated that the visit was aimed at briefing the NOA on the NSCDC’s statutory mandate concerning the safety and protection of learners and teachers, while also exploring areas of collaboration in security awareness, emergency preparedness, and risk mitigation in schools.

She commenced her presentation by highlighting the achievements and service trajectory of the Oyo State Commandant, whose dedication has earned him several awards, particularly in training and manpower development.

DCC Patricia further explained that the Safe School Initiative was established following the 2014 Chibok school abduction to promote safety in schools, conduct sensitization programmes, identify security risks, encourage the reporting of threats, and strengthen emergency response mechanisms.

“Every investment made in school safety is an investment in the future of our children and our nation,” she stated.

She maintained that school safety is a collective responsibility if society desires a secure learning environment that guarantees peace and enables learners to focus on their studies. She highlighted several activities already undertaken by the Unit, including school visits for security awareness campaigns and continuous sensitization programmes aimed at enhancing security consciousness.

She also outlined the Unit’s proposed programmes, which include security sensitization campaigns in churches, marketplaces, advocacy visits to critical stakeholders, and seminars on security consciousness designed to strengthen communities against security threats. She therefore solicited the support of the NOA in making the initiative a reality.

In her response, Mrs. Simiat Ajolayo Akande, State Director, National Orientation Agency, Oyo State Directorate, commended the efforts to revitalize the Safe School Initiative and pledged the Agency’s unwavering support.

“Security is not a one off thing ; it is a continuous responsibility. Security is everybody’s business. Without security, there can be no development. Children must be secure to learn effectively. If you are not secure, you cannot concentrate fully on learning. Therefore, maintaining a safe and secure environment is imperative,” she said.

Mrs. Akande described the NOA as the government’s “mouthpiece and earpiece,” emphasizing that the Agency would continue to discharge its statutory responsibilities diligently.
“It is a collective effort, and our officers in the local government areas will join in carrying out grassroots sensitization campaigns in their respective communities,” she added.

The Oyo state director also highlighted the Agency’s recent efforts toward strengthening security awareness and noted that the Oyo State Directorate had been invited to participate in another security-related programme scheduled for July 2.

Furthermore, she outlined the core mandates of the Agency, which include value reorientation, public sensitization, creating awareness of government policies and programmes, and providing feedback to government through monthly reports, Pulse of the Nation reports, and special reports.

Mrs. Akande used the opportunity to familiarize the visitors with the proper rendition of the National Anthem, explaining the appropriate occasions for the use of its stanzas and emphasizing the need to accord national symbols the respect they deserve .

She added, “Although we are not a revenue-generating agency, we shall deploy the resources at our disposal to support this initiative at both the state headquarters and local government levels across the state in order to enhance its visibility.”

The visit concluded with both agencies agreeing to strengthen collaboration and embark on joint sensitization campaigns to ensure that the Safe School Initiative receives the attention and support it deserves.