By Babatunde Ayedoju
The Ondo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology is set to partner with the Community Crime Prevention Initiative of Nigeria (CCPIN), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), and a security outfit to foster school safety across the state.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Igbekele Ajibefun, while hosting the NGO in his office.
Speaking on the need to address security in schools, Ajibefun emphasised the urgency of the partnership, noting that “the incidence of crime affects every fibre of society, and schools are certainly not immune to criminal activities.”
He highlighted recent challenges, saying, “In the last few years, we have had series of criminal activities in our schools, ranging from rape to cultism, which is compromising the safety of some of our institutions.”
The Commissioner stressed that any action preventing such criminal activities is a step in the right direction.
“We will partner with the organisation because it is one of the ways we can prevent crimes and keep our schools safe,” he stated.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to securing schools and reducing crime while commending CCPIN’s efforts and aligning with their objectives.
The Commandant of CCPIN, High Chief Olanrewaju Olowokere, noted that the organisation is recognised for providing security to individuals and organisations.
Olowokere promised to deploy security manpower and expertise to protect schools throughout the state.
He further explained that the core objective of the initiative is to enhance security consciousness and the overall social well-being of the general public.