The Ogun State Government has concluded plans to strengthen security around schools across the State as part of measures aimed at protecting students and educational institutions from emerging security threats.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, disclosed this at his residence in Iperu while hosting the League of Imams and Alfas in celebration of the Eid-el-Kabir, said the initiative became necessary in response to recent security developments in neighbouring States, stressing that his administration was determined to proactively safeguard schools and secure the future of children in the State.

According to him, the government would deploy a combination of formal security agencies and local security outfits, including the So-Safe Corps, Amotekun Corps, hunters and vigilante groups, to provide adequate protection for schools across the State.

“We have decided to engage the services of our security agencies, including the So-Safe Corps, Amotekun Corps, hunters and other vigilante groups, to provide security in our schools. We need to do this to protect the lives of our future generation,” he said.

He added that the security architecture would involve collaboration among traditional rulers, religious leaders and law enforcement agencies to ensure effective coordination and surveillance around schools.

“We will mobilise the Amotekun Corps, the So-Safe Corps and all vigilante groups for the protection of schools across the length and breadth of the State, just as we will provide stipends to encourage and support this initiative and implementation will commence immediately,” he stated.

Governor Abiodun explained that the initiative was designed to prevent a recurrence of incidents experienced in some neighbouring States, noting that the safety of schoolchildren remained a top priority for his administration, while acknowledging the role of prayers in sustaining peace and stability but emphasised the need for practical measures to guarantee the security of students and educational institutions.

The State helmsman thereafter announced the inauguration of a “Direct Impact Committee” tasked with touring communities across the State to identify and address pressing needs of residents, explaining that the committee would facilitate the provision of transformers, boreholes, solar streetlights and other essential amenities based on the peculiar needs of various communities.

The Governor further revealed that the initiative would provide monthly financial support to 10 persons in each of the 5,043 polling units spread across the 236 wards in the State to cushion economic challenges at the grassroots, while he assured traditional rulers and religious leaders of active participation in the selection process for beneficiaries, describing them as critical stakeholders closest to the people at the grassroots.

He commended religious leaders for their prayers, support and commitment to peaceful coexistence, which had continued to enhance socio-economic development and stability in the State.

“You have contributed immensely to the peace we currently enjoy in our State as development cannot thrive in a chaotic environment. Please do not stop praying for us. We also need your continued support for our law enforcement agencies so that we can sustain the peace and progress we are witnessing today,” the Governor added.