The Ekiti State Government and security agencies have reassured residents, particularly parents, guardians, teachers, and students, that schools and communities across the State remain safe despite growing security concerns in some parts of the country.
Speaking at a strategic meeting with school administrators in Ado-Ekiti, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (Rtd.), said the government remained committed to sustaining peace and strengthening security measures across the State.
Ogundana described Ekiti as one of the safest States in Nigeria and urged residents to support ongoing efforts aimed at preserving the prevailing peaceful atmosphere.
“Government and citizens must continue to work together to preserve the peace we currently enjoy in the State,” he said.
He also cautioned against the spread of unverified information and raising of false alarms, warning that rumours could create unnecessary panic and disrupt public order.
In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, called for stronger collaboration among school administrators, community leaders, and residents, stressing that security is a collective responsibility.
Assuring stakeholders that security agencies were implementing strategies to further enhance safety and protect lives and property across the state, Falade however also urged school administrators to maintain close relationships with community leaders and security personnel within their localities.
Also speaking, Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Ekiti State Command, Mrs Nka Obi-Bisong commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for what she described as his proactive and empathetic approach to security management.
According to her, the administration has consistently demonstrated concern for the welfare and safety of residents through prompt responses to security challenges.
She further urged schools and communities to strengthen physical security measures by fencing school premises, installing lighting systems, regularly clearing surrounding bushes, and deploying surveillance cameras where possible.
The Commissioner for Education, Dr. Olabimpe Aderiye, also called on school administrators to strictly comply with security guidelines already issued by the government.
She stressed the importance of educating members of their communities on the need to verify information before sharing it with security agencies or the public.
“Accurate information sharing contributes greatly to effective security coordination,” she said.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prof. Femi Akinwumi, and the Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission, Mrs. Rhoda Ojo, urged school administrators to remain vigilant and identify vulnerable areas within their schools and communities.
Among those present at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary of the Teaching Service Commission, Michael Boluwade; the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Bayode Ogunmola; directors from the ministry; and representatives of private school owners’ associations.
