Oborevwori Flags Off Police Stakeholders Forum on School Security in Delta

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to curbing crime and enhancing safety in schools through strategic collaboration with security agencies.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Nigeria Police Force Stakeholders Forum on the Security of Schools in Delta State, held at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, the Governor emphasized the need for collective responsibility in ensuring the protection of students and educational institutions.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, Governor Oborevwori described the forum as a commendable step toward addressing emerging security threats facing schools. He stressed that the safety of students should not rest solely on the shoulders of security personnel, but must involve parents, school authorities, and local communities.

“The safety of our schoolchildren is a shared responsibility. It is vital that communities play active roles in surveillance, intelligence sharing, and promptly reporting suspicious activities,” the Governor said.

He lauded the Nigeria Police Force for initiating the Safe School Programme, noting that its success requires the full cooperation and support of host communities across the state. He expressed confidence that the two-day forum would produce actionable strategies to enhance school security and foster a safer learning environment.

In his address, the Inspector General of Police, represented by the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Zone 5, Mr. Solomon Garba Dogo, said the Safe School Programme is a nationwide, community-based initiative designed to safeguard students and promote trust among law enforcement agencies, educators, and families.

On his part, the Commissioner of Police for Delta State, Mr. Olufemi Abaniwanda, revealed that the Inspector General had established a School Protection Unit within the police structure to ensure the security of students and staff in educational institutions nationwide.

The two-day strategic forum, themed "Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities in the Protection of Education", brought together stakeholders from security agencies, school management boards, traditional institutions, and civil society groups to chart a collaborative course toward safer schools in Delta State.