The Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and inter-agency NGOs have launched the Presidential Safe School Initiative in Imo.

The initiative was launched during a ceremony in Owerri on Monday.

Performing the ceremony at Christian International School, Owerri, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr Abdullahi Wase, described security as a collective responsibility.

Wase, represented by Chief Superintendent of Police Amanchukwu Frank, said the initiative would reduce insecurity in schools across the country.

He urged schools to support security agencies to ensure the successful implementation of the initiative.

“We are committed to 24-hour protection of schools and urge managements of public and private schools to cooperate with us.

“By God’s grace, we will continue to record zero cases through our preventive strategies,” he said.

Also speaking, Assistant Commandant in charge of Operations, Mr Obinna Anyaberechi, pledged the corps’ collaboration with other security agencies.

He said the collaboration would help ensure the success of the Safe School Initiative across the state.

The Special Adviser to Gov. Hope Uzodinma on Primary and Secondary Education, Chief James Nwanyadimo, pledged government’s commitment to school safety.

Nwanyadimo assured students that the government would provide all necessary support to ensure their safety and wellbeing.

The National Convener of Inter-Agency NGOs, Mr Hillary Iheanacho, said the Safe Schools Committee would inspect security equipment.

He listed the inspection of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras among measures aimed at ensuring adequate security in schools.

Iheanacho advised students to remain law-abiding, shun cultism, avoid trouble and obey constituted authorities.

The Proprietor of Christian International School, Dr Robinson Omorogiuwa, thanked the security agencies for their efforts to protect students.

Omorogiuwa pledged the school’s unalloyed support for the Safe School Initiative.

The Chairman of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, Imo chapter, Chief Theo Mbakwe, also pledged cooperation.

He assured security agencies that private schools would comply with established security arrangements.

The sensitisation exercise also took place at City School, Owerri, with principals of public secondary schools in attendance.

The Chairman of Inter-Agency NGOs in Imo, Mr Kennedy Onwunali, and Permanent Secretary, Imo Ministry of Education, Dr Benedicta Okororie, attended the event.