IGP Champions Safe School Initiative in Imo, mobilizes Stakeholders to enhance Security

Austin Okoro DDM NEWS

IGP

In a bold move to enhance the security of Nigeria’s schools, the Inspector-General of Police IGP Kayode Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, led the Safe School Summit in Owerri, Imo State, on May 14, 2025.

The summit, part of the Nigeria Police Force’s Safe School Initiative, focused on “Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities in the Protection of Education.”

Represented by AIG Kanayo Uzuegbu, psc(+), AIG Zone 9, Umuahia, the IGP emphasized the critical role of community policing in safeguarding educational institutions across the country.

The summit brought together teachers, security experts, civil society organizations, and government officials, all focused on creating safe learning environments.

This initiative underscores the IGP’s commitment to addressing security challenges like cultism, kidnapping, and violence, which threaten students’ safety and educational progress.

The event was officially opened by the Executive Governor of Imo State Dist. Senator Hope Uzodinma, represented by the SSG, Chief Cosmos Iwu, who highlighted the urgent need for secure school environments and expressed confidence in the summit’s potential for concrete actions.

In his welcome address, CP Danjuma reaffirmed the Imo State Police Command’s commitment to collaborating with other security agencies and community leaders to keep schools in the state

CP Abayomi Shogunle, PhD, fsi, National Coordinator of the School Protection Squad (SPS) at FHQRTS, provided an overview of the Safe School Initiative. He highlighted its objectives and strategic approach, stressing the importance of building security resilience in schools and involving host communities in safeguarding educational institutions.

Distinguished guests at the summit included; HRM Eze Dr. E.C. Okeke, Eze Imo; Professor BTO Ikegwuoha, Commissioner for Education; Hon. Modestus Osakwe, Commissioner for Homeland Security; Hajiya Halima Lilya, National Coordinator on Financing Safe Schools; Heads of Tertiary Schools and Heads of Security Agencies.

The summit also featured school officials, CSOs, and over 60 personnel from the School Protection Squad.

The summit featured key presentations, including “Security Awareness: Early Warning and Response Systems” by Professor Daniel Nkwuocha of Imo State University and “The Role of Students in Building Secure Schools” by ACP Linus Nwaiwu.

The event also showcased a vibrant cultural display by IMSU Theatre Arts students and the Imo State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture.

The summit concluded with a vote of thanks from DCP Hammajoda Barka, who expressed appreciation to the IGP, stakeholders, and attendees for their support.

The event reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to collaborating with partners to ensure that schools in Imo State remain safe environments for students’ education.

DSP HENRY OKOYE
Police Public Relations Officer
Imo State Command

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