DHQ, Safe School Initiative Strengthen Ties On School Protection

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) and the Safe Schools Initiative have strengthened their partnership to enhance school protection nationwide.

The National Coordinator of the Safe Schools Initiative, Hajiya Halima Iliya, on Thursday paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.

A statement by the Director Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the visit aimed at strengthening synergy between the Safe Schools Initiative and the Armed Forces of Nigeria in the collective effort to secure learning environments across the country.

The National Coordinator, in her remarks, explained that the Safe Schools Initiative was established in 2014 following major attacks on schools across the country, particularly the abduction of 276 school children at Chibok, which drew national and international attention to the vulnerability of schools.

She noted that the Initiative is domiciled within the Federal Ministry of Finance, which coordinates several actors, including security agencies, relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, development partners, and civil society organisations, to ensure the safety and security of schools.

According to her, the purpose of the visit was to formally engage with the CDS and involve him in the Initiative’s activities, interventions, and future plans. The visit also aimed to explore areas for deeper collaboration with the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Halima also commiserated with the Chief of Defence Staff and the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria over the recent air mishap which led to the sad loss of Nigerian Air Force personnel in the line of duty and other distinguished Nigerians, describing the incident as painful.  She reiterated that the services and sacrifices of the Military are deeply appreciated by all Nigerians.

In his response, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Oluyede, expressed appreciation for the visit and commended the leadership of the Safe Schools Initiative for its sustained commitment to protecting education.

The CDS assured the Coordinator of the full cooperation and support of the Armed Forces of Nigeria for the initiative, noting that the protection of schools and children remains a critical national security priority and a shared responsibility.

He reiterated that the DHQ will continue to work with the drivers of the laudable Initiative and other stakeholders to ensure that schools remain safe, secure and conducive for learning.