By Brenda Agba
The Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia has said his administration is commited to addressing the critical issues of insecurity in and around schools in Benue State.
Governor Alia made this known Thursday, at the IBB Square, Makurdi in his speech during the closing ceremony of the Capacity Development Program for Safe School Response Team in Nigeria.
Governor Alia who commended the efforts of the team towards promoting safety in societies and having safe schools in the country for all students and educators especially in conflict prone areas and fragile communities, said his collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education in this regard signifies the government’s recognition of the paramount importance of protecting the Benue educational institutions and ensuring a conducive learning environment for students.
In his remark, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Sen. George Akume who was represented by Alhaji Shehu Shinkafi, Permanent Secretary, Office of the President appreciated the NSCDC for their efforts in addressing issues of insecurity in Nigerian schools, and assured them of the commitment of the Federal Government to guarantee safer learning environment for all students.
Earlier, the Commander, National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre, Dr. Tersoo Shaapera, and Head of Education at the Secretariat of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Dr. Leo Ebenezer who represented the Director General, Nigerian Governors’ Forum as well as other top dignitaries at the event stressed the need to provide security to schools and host communities towards guaranteeing seamless learning process in Nigeria while the Ter Makurdi, HRH, Chief Vincent Aule, thanked the Safe school Response Team and promised on behalf of Makurdi Traditional Council, to collaborate with them in ensuring the well-being and future of Benue children.
The event which was organized by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) was attended by security personnel from different states including Niger, Kwara, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kogi, Taraba and Benue, as well as the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Meanwhile, the governor on behalf of the Government of Benue State, donated a facility behind Benue State Education Resource Center for the establishment of Benue State Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre.
