Ogun State Government has inaugurated a multi-sectoral Safe Schools Steering Committee as part of efforts to address existing and emerging security challenges in schools and create a safer environment for teaching and learning across the state.
Gatekeepers News reports that the committee is expected to provide strategic leadership in the development and implementation of policies, programmes, and initiatives aimed at improving school safety, emergency preparedness, and overall security within educational institutions.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony in Abeokuta, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, said members of the committee were carefully selected based on their expertise, experience, and institutional responsibilities.
According to him, the establishment of the committee reflects the state’s commitment to strengthening collaboration among government agencies, security organisations, communities, development partners, and other stakeholders in the education sector.
“The inauguration of the Ogun State Safe Schools Steering Committee is therefore a strategic response aimed at strengthening collaboration among government and security agencies, communities, development partners, and all stakeholders in the education sector,” Arigbabu said.
He noted that the committee would play a critical role in formulating and implementing strategies that would enhance safety across schools in the state.
“As members of this committee, your selection was based on expertise, experience, and institutional responsibilities. This task is both important and urgent. The future of our children depends on the effectiveness of the decisions and actions we take today,” he stated.
The commissioner urged members to approach their assignment with dedication and professionalism.
“I therefore charge you to approach this assignment with dedication, professionalism, integrity, and a strong sense of purpose. Let us work together to ensure that every school in Ogun State remains a place of safety, learning, hope, and opportunity,” he added.
Other speakers at the event stressed the need for collective responsibility in promoting safety within schools, noting that the task extends beyond government efforts alone.
“As we inaugurate this committee today, let us recognise that school safety is not the responsibility of government alone. It is a shared responsibility requiring partnership, vigilance, innovation, and collective action. The decisions we take and the commitment we make here today will contribute significantly to shaping the future of thousands of learners across our state,” they said.
