Dutse, March 6, 2025
Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa state has said that the state has expended N342 million, to establish Safe Schools Rapid Response Coordination Centre in the state.
Namadi made this known on Thursday at the opening of a 2-day safe schools stakeholders’ forum on security of schools in Dutse,
The centre he said, will serve as a central hub for monitoring potential emergencies and coordinating swift responses.
The money expended, Namadi explained, covered the renovation and furnishing of the structures housing the centre, provision of all the requisite security gadgets and surveillance equipment and ICT equipment.
It also covered for the provision of two Toyota Hilux and four motorcycles, Optical Night Vision Devices, GPS Units, Walkie-talkies and other security devices.
“In pursuit of Public Private Partnership with private Security Agencies, over 9,000 young men and women will be engaged, to provide physical security in public institutions.
“The institutions to be covered are particularly primary and secondary schools and health facilities.
“While primarily intended to enhance security in the benefitting public institutions, this intervention will also help in addressing unemployment among the youth,” the Governor said.
According to him, Goal 8 of his administration’s 12-Point Agenda, clearly identified security, as one of the focus areas of the administration.
“As mentioned in the Agenda Document, part of our strategies will include “building an inclusive community-led response to security, adopting new technologies.
“We would also focus on strengthening local governments, traditional institutions and other relevant stakeholders, to ensure the safety of lives and properties of the good people of the State.
“Accordingly, since assuming the mantle of leadership, we have initiated and implemented several interventions to strengthen security resilience and integration of communities, in line with Strategic Stakeholder Engagement,” he noted.
Namadi commended the Nigeria Police Force’s Strategic National Stakeholder’ Forum on the protection of schools and other learning places.
He described security as “everybody’s concern,” for which everybody has a role to play, maintaining that discussion on strengthening security, is a subject matter for all times.
Namadi expressed gratitude to the security agencies in Jigawa, for their relentless efforts in promoting peace, security and social cohesion in our communities.
In his speech, the Inspector General of Police, Dr Kayode Egbetokun, the program is borne out of his commitment to ensure safety and security of students and educational institutions.
Represented by Ahmed Ammani, Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 1 Headquarters Kano, Egbetokun described Jigawa as relatively peaceful.
According to him, “We cannot over emphasise the importance of our schools to the overall development of our dear nation.
“Our schools are not only sanctuaries of knowledge, but also a nurturing ground for the future leaders of our country.
“The security of our schools determines the security of our future and therefore must be protected against all threats,” IGP said.
He further revealed thatnhe has directed all the Commissioners of Police in the Zones, to engage Aith stakeholders so that the safety and security of schools is guaranteed.
The IGP also highlighted that it is imperative for communities to support security agencies in protecting all schools against threats.
He thus pledged the Police Force’s commitment to deploy innovative tactics and technology, in safeguarding schools across the country.
Gov. Namadi of Jigawa state declared open a 2-day safety and security of schools across Jigawa State.
It is comprehensive Stakeholders Forum on the Security of Schools and training of School Protection Squad (SPS).
The forum has the theme “Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities in the Protection of education.”
By Aisha Ahmed
Dutse
