Education

FCT Police Launch School Protection Squad

Published

3 months ago

September 4, 2024

editor

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Police Force has launched a School Protection Squad aimed at preventing attacks on both private and public schools across the six area councils of Abuja. This initiative comes as schools in the nation’s capital prepare for resumption, amid growing concerns over the safety of students and teachers.

The FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh, announced the launch during the opening of the Police Strategic Stakeholders Forum on Security of Schools in FCT. The event, held at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre in Abuja, also included training sessions for members of the newly formed School Protection Squad. The forum’s theme, “Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities in the Protection of Education,” underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in safeguarding schools.

Commissioner Igweh reassured residents of the FCT of the Command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of students and educational staff. “Security and safety of students and teachers have gained significant attention from government at all levels, following incessant attacks on schools which have created panic in the minds of teachers, students, and parents. These incidents have, in some cases, led to the closure of schools,” he stated.

The Commissioner emphasized that the FCT Command has thoroughly mapped out all schools within the Territory to ensure their protection. He highlighted that, to date, there have been no recorded attacks on schools in the FCT, and the Command remains dedicated to maintaining this record, particularly in rural areas where schools are often more vulnerable.

The establishment of the School Protection Squad aligns with the broader efforts by the Nigerian government to reduce the number of out-of-school children and to create a safe learning environment. In 2022, the government formally launched the Safe School Protection (SPS) initiative as part of its strategy to secure educational facilities across the country.

Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of operations, DIG Ede Ayuba, who also spoke at the event, reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to preventing attacks on schools nationwide. He noted that the SPS initiative, established by Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has been implemented in all states of the Federation, including the FCT, to complement the Federal Government’s efforts in achieving a safer school environment.

“Today’s program is a follow-up to similar events held in Kaduna and Niger states on May 8th-9th and 14th-15th, 2024, respectively, which witnessed massive participation and were equally successful,” DIG Ayuba said. “I have no doubt that we will achieve even greater participation of relevant stakeholders here in the FCT, being the federal capital of Nigeria.”

The forum is designed to foster effective partnerships between the Nigeria Police, sister security agencies, and other relevant stakeholders in the ongoing efforts to prevent school attacks. DIG Ayuba emphasized that the collaboration with host communities is particularly crucial, as their involvement is key to safeguarding schools and ensuring a secure and conducive learning environment for children.

The School Protection Squad’s training is expected to equip its members with the necessary skills and knowledge to respond swiftly and effectively to potential threats. The initiative also seeks to build trust between schools and local communities, ensuring that everyone understands their role in protecting educational institutions.

Abuja Reports

NAPPS Ends 2024 in Grand Style, Praises School Owners’ Resilience

Published

15 hours ago

December 7, 2024

Samson Adeyanju

By Our Correspondent

The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), FCT Chapter, marked the end of 2024 with a grand celebration, reflecting on a year of challenges and triumphs.

The event, held at Glisten International Academy, Jahi – Abuja, brought together school owners, stakeholders, and supporters for a moment of relaxation, gratitude, and unity.
Speaking at the gathering, the FCT NAPPS Chairperson, Chief Mrs Rukayat Ruth Agboola acknowledged 2024 as one of the most turbulent years for private schools, citing financial burdens from accumulated debts, contentious levies, and operational pressures.
Despite these obstacles, she praised school proprietors for their resilience and dedication.
“This year tested our limits, but we stood strong together. With God’s grace and our collective efforts, we navigated the storm,” she stated.
The event featured support from area council chairmen and generous donors, whose contributions ensured the success of the celebration.
The President also commended Glisten International Academy, Jahi, for hosting the event at a reduced cost, emphasizing that the gathering symbolized hope and renewed strength for the education sector.
As attendees enjoyed the festivities, the President encouraged continued collaboration to overcome future challenges, declaring, “This celebration is a testament to our resilience and commitment to building a better future for education in Nigeria.”

Abuja Reports

ACJ Essay Competition Sparks Hope for Nigeria’s Future –Folusho

Published

22 hours ago

December 7, 2024

Samson Adeyanju

By Our Correspondent

In a way to celebrate education and inspire academic excellence, the Abuja City Journal (ACJ), has once again captured the nation’s attention with its National Essay Competition.

Speaking during an interview, the CEO and Publisher of ACJ, Mr. Ojo Sylvanus Foluso, revealed the vision behind the initiative, highlighting its role in promoting literacy and offering hope to young Nigerians.

“This competition is our way of celebrating education and encouraging students who believe in its transformative power. Education is the bedrock of society, and this initiative is a testament to that belief,” said Mr. Foluso.

Launched two years ago, the competition returned for its second edition, attracting over 700,000 entries nationwide.

Through a rigorous process involving AI screenings and independent examiners, 25 finalists emerged, representing the brightest minds across Nigeria.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service played a pivotal role in the event’s success, sponsoring the transportation and accommodation of participants in Abuja.

The finalists will undergo a final writing challenge to determine the winners, with prizes ranging from ₦1 million to ₦2.5 million and the prestigious title of PCNGI Brand Ambassador.

Mr. Foluso expressed optimism about the future: “This initiative gives Nigerians hope. We are celebrating education instead of abnormality, and we pray it grows bigger by God’s grace.”

ACJ’s dedication to empowering youth and celebrating excellence sets a high standard for educational initiatives in Nigeria.

Abuja Reports

CNG: Energy Independence Possible, Says PI-CNG

Published

2 days ago

December 6, 2024

Samson Adeyanju

By Samson Adeyanju

The Program Director and Chief Executive of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (PI-CNG), Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi, has declared Nigeria’s journey toward energy independence achievable through the adoption of compressed natural gas (CNG).

He emphasized that natural gas, abundant in 30 out of the country’s 36 states, is key to reducing dependence on expensive and polluting petrol while driving economic growth and energy security.

Speaking at the PI-CNG headquarters in Abuja during a visit by participants of the Abuja City Journal Essay Competition, Oluwagbemi highlighted the untapped potential of Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves.

“With 232 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves and an estimated 650 trillion cubic feet yet to be harnessed, Nigeria has the resources to power its industrialization for the next 300 years,” he stated.

He emphasized that natural gas, abundant in 30 out of the country’s 36 states, is key to reducing dependence on expensive and polluting petrol while driving economic growth and energy security.

Drawing parallels with the construction of Abuja, a seemingly impossible feat achieved decades ago, Oluwagbemi underscored the importance of leveraging Nigeria’s ingenuity and resilience.

“Just as Abuja rose from grasslands to become a thriving international city, we can harness CNG to transform our economy and achieve energy prosperity,” he said.

The PI-CNG initiative, established in 2023, aims to promote the use of CNG through incentives, vehicle conversions, and partnerships with private sector players.

Oluwagbemi highlighted ongoing efforts, including free CNG-powered bus services in Abuja and other states, vehicle conversion centers, and plans to incentivize the use of CNG in industries and households.

Stressing the benefits of CNG over petrol, he noted its safety, affordability, and environmental friendliness.

“Compressed natural gas is 18 times less explosive than petrol, cleaner, and more reliable. It’s time to stop wasting our God-given resources and transition to sustainable energy solutions,” he urged.

The PI-CNG initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to convert a million vehicles to CNG by 2027 and drive Nigeria toward becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

Oluwagbemi called on the youth to embrace this energy revolution, stating, “Nigeria’s greatest resource is not beneath our feet but above our necks—our brains. Together, we can achieve energy independence and prosperity.”