Safety
By Jumoke Olaitan
An NGO, Lola Cater Foundation, has called for stronger collaboration with relevant stakeholders to support the National Safe Schools Project by promoting youth participation in school safety and civic engagement.
The foundation, through its DreamRise Fest–Young Leaders Assembly, made the call on Saturday.
It had paid an educational visit to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) National Headquarters in Abuja.
The Foundation’s Executive Director, Miss Ololade Ogunnubi, thanked the NSCDC for providing young people with an opportunity to participate in discussions on school safety and national security.
Ogunnubi said children affected by conflict and displacement had valuable perspectives that should be reflected in policy and security discussions.
She also invited the NSCDC to partner with the foundation at the DreamRise Young Leaders Assembly National Leadership Academy, scheduled for Aug. 24 to Aug. 27, 2026.
According to her, the proposed partnership will include sessions on safe schools, peacebuilding, national security, responsible citizenship, leadership and patriotism.
’’Exposing children to public institutions will help build trust, confidence and a stronger sense of civic responsibility, ‘’ she said.
Also, the Commander, National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre, Dr Samuel Umanah, said school safety required the collective efforts of government, parents, teachers, communities, civil society organisations and youths.
Umanah commended the foundation for creating a platform that enabled children and youths to engage directly with institutions responsible for protecting them.
According to him, every Nigerian child deserves to learn in a safe, secure and fear-free environment.
”Safe schools cannot be achieved by security agencies alone.
”Parents, teachers, communities, civil society organisations and indeed our young people all have important roles to play, ‘’ he said.
Umanah assured continued support for initiatives that promoted safety, resilience and security awareness among school-aged children nationwide.
”We commend the Lola Cater Foundation and we look forward to strengthening this collaboration to advance the National Safe Schools Project,” he said.
Earlier at an interactive session, two students, Khadijah Abubukar and Aliyu Suleiman, engaged NSCDC on improving education and protection for children in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps.
Both students were from the Lola Cater Academy in the Karonmajigi IDPs Camp, also asked how children could safely contribute to community safety.
A 100-level medical student, Folarin Oluleye, proposed first aid training and Safe School Clubs, while an ICT student Mayowa Ogunnubi asked how technology could improve school security.
Responding, NSCDC officials encouraged young people to promote peaceful coexistence, remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to trusted adults and security agencies where necessary.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit gave students from academy the opportunity to engage officials on school safety, child protection and responsible citizenship.
The visit ended with NSCDC and the foundation pledging to strengthen collaboration in promoting safer schools across the country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Esenvosa Izah