NSSRCC expresses confidence in capabilities of communities in supporting success of safe Schools project

The National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre (NSSRCC), has expressed confidence in the capabilities and contributions of members of schools' communities, and called on them to assist in the protection of educational institutions sited in their domains.

Speaking at a press briefing at Doma town in Doma Local Government Headquarters, Nasarawa State, as part of activities preceding a sensitisation workshop for Strategic Stakeholders in the North-Central Geopolitical Zone on the activities of the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre and Safe Schools Programme in Nigeria, scheduled to hold this Thursday at the Government House, Lafia, Commander of the Centre, CSC Tersoo Shaapera PhD, described such collaboration by the public as crucial for the success of the Safe Schools implementation project.

In his words, "We must all unite against anything that will affect teaching and learning process in any school whether the ones in urban, semi-urban and rural areas.Our interest at the NSSRCC is to ensure the protection of schools in remotest villages, border communities and those in city centers."

He continued that, "with support and collaboration of all and sundry, I believe the goal is realizable. All we need to do is to demonstrate the willingness in support of what the Federal government has started as being strengthened by some state governments."

Also, the Commander on behalf of Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), appreciated the support of all security agencies in the implementation of the Safe Schools Project most especially the Nigerian Army and Department of State Services.

He explained that such collaborative efforts have enabled the Centre to foil many attempts to attack schools, reiterating that such synergy should be sustained by all state actors and other stakeholders to confront the menace.

Speaking earlier at the Palace of Andoma of Doma, the Nasarawa State Commandant of the Corps, Abbas Bappa Mohammed, said the NSCDC delegation was at the place to intimate the Royal Father of the press briefing/sensitisation workshop and seek his royal blessings and also to pay homage.

The Royal Father Alhaji (Dr) Ahmadu Aliyu Oga Onawo, OON, who also attended the briefing described the establishment of the centre in response to security as proactive and assured of his support and that of his subjects.

According to Andoma, the desire of every parent is to have their children safe in schools everywhere they are noting that when education is acquired by children, they will contribute to national development.

In an address of welcome, the Council's Chairman, Arc Ahmed Sarki Usman, appreciated a coordinated response of all security agencies in his council which resulted in the safe rescue of over 70 per cent of school pupils kidnapped on 20th January, 2023 but were safe rescued on 3rd February, 2023.

Usman who said he was overwhelmed by the gesture of NSCDC which has put up a Rapid Response in the area, pledged his council's support to the Corps.

The event was attended by members of the traditional institution, teachers, students, other security agencies, stakeholders and the media among others.

Signed:
CSC Babawale Zaid Afolabi
National PRO
NSCDC NHQ
Abuja.