The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa has stated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) is committed to protection of every child in the country. The CDS made this statement during the Safe School Programme Workshop at Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya Hall, at Army Officers’ Mess and Suites, Sokoto.
The CDS who was represented by the Chief of Defence Training and Operations, Major General Victor Onumajuru, highlighted the essence of the workshop which is to further sensitize troops and stakeholders within 8 Division Area of Responsibility on the need to be more committed towards the Safe School initiative.
He added that the theme, *”Providing a Secure and Safe Learning Environment for the Advancement of National Development,”* resonates the Federal Government of Nigeria’s (FGN) plan as it involves all security agencies and civil societies working together for the safety of our schools. “This is also in line with the leadership philosophy of the CDS, which emphasizes interagency cooperation and collaboration in addressing security challenges,” he said.
In his welcome address, the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander Joint Task Force North West, Operation HADARIN DAJI, Brigadier General Ibikunle Ajose, who was represented by the Commander 8 Division Garrison, Brigadier General Alex Tawasimi, noted that in line with FG drive towards the Safe School Programme which entails collaboration among security, government agencies and civil societies to secure schools across the country.
Earlier in his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Special Adviser on Career and Security Matters, Sokoto State, Colonel Ahmed Abdul Usman (Rtd), noted that the workshop is an important step towards addressing the challenges that have threatened the every fabric of our education system. “Let us work together to create a comprehensive framework that addresses the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of our children,” he stated.
Colonel Ahmed highlighted the critical role the communities play, while emphasizing the need to engage traditional leaders and community members to build trust, foster partnerships, and promote a culture of safety and responsibility.
The workshop had in attendance participants from the AFN, Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Vigilante Services, Nigeria Immigration Service, Department of State Service, stakeholders in the education sector, religious and traditional leaders, as well as resource persons.
Highlights of the event include goodwill messages from the CDS, General Christopher Musa and the Coordinator, Safe School Programme, Hajiya Halima Iliya, seasoned lectures by erudite resource persons, and interactive sessions, presentation of power bikes and communication equipment in support of the initiative among others.
Present at the event include Director Psychological Operations at Defence Headquarters, Chief of Staff Headquarters 8 Division, Commander Nigeria Air Force Detachment, Heads of other security agencies, Sokoto Command, Representative of the Sultanate, and other religious leaders, as well as other stakeholders.