Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has ordered the immediate deployment of security operatives to schools across the state as part of a fresh strategy to protect students and educational institutions from emerging security threats.
Abiodun disclosed this on Wednesday during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration with the League of Imams and Alfas at his residence in Iperu, where he announced plans to engage formal security agencies and local security outfits in safeguarding schools across Ogun State.
The governor said the decision was informed by recent security developments in neighbouring states, stressing that his administration would not wait for any unfortunate incident before taking proactive action.
According to him, the initiative would involve the deployment of the So-Safe Corps, Amotekun Corps, hunters and vigilante groups to monitor and protect 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.
Abiodun noted that traditional rulers, religious leaders and law enforcement agencies would collaborate 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. We will also provide stipends to encourage and support this initiative, and implementation will commence immediately,” the governor stated.
He said the security structure was designed to prevent a recurrence of incidents witnessed in some neighbouring states, adding that the safety of schoolchildren remained a top priority of his administration.
The governor also emphasised the importance of combining prayers with practical security measures to guarantee lasting peace and safety in schools.
“We must ensure that we put this kind of structure in place to guarantee the protection of our future generation currently being nurtured in various schools,” he added.
Abiodun also announced the inauguration of a “Direct Impact Committee” to identify and address pressing needs in communities across the state.
According to him, the committee would facilitate the provision of transformers, boreholes, solar streetlights and other essential amenities based on the specific needs of different communities.
The governor further disclosed that the initiative would provide monthly financial support to 10 persons in each of the 5,043 polling units across the 236 wards in the state to cushion economic hardship at the grassroots.
He assured traditional rulers and religious leaders that they would be actively involved in selecting beneficiaries for the programme.
Abiodun commended religious leaders for their prayers and support, which he said had contributed significantly to peace, stability and socio-economic development in Ogun State.
