The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) has officially launched its flagship Safe Schools Club Initiative at the PCRC National Secretariat in Abuja, marking the commencement of a nationwide campaign to strengthen security awareness and safeguard educational institutions across Nigeria.
The flag-off ceremony was led by the PCRC National Chairman, Alhaji Mogaji Ibraheem Aramide Olaniyan, alongside the PCRC Rivers State Chairman, Dr. Voke Emore, the PCRC USA Coordinator, Chief Dr. Churchill Etuk, and the PCRC National Safe Schools Coordinator, Ambassador Samuel Akintoye, with other senior committee members in attendance.
Addressing participants, Alhaji Olaniyan reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to supporting the vision of the Inspector-General of Police by ensuring schools remain safe, secure and conducive for learning. He described the Safe Schools Club Initiative as a strategic platform designed to instil security consciousness, discipline, patriotism and community policing values in pupils and students from an early age.
According to him, the initiative will strengthen collaboration among schools, parents, security agencies and host communities, creating a sustainable framework to protect educational institutions from security threats.
National Safe Schools Coordinator, Ambassador Akintoye, said the programme would equip students with practical knowledge on personal safety, emergency preparedness, crime prevention, conflict resolution and responsible citizenship. He disclosed that the initiative would be rolled out across schools nationwide through coordinated state and zonal implementation.
Speaking at the event, PCRC Rivers State Chairman, Dr. Voke Emore, and PCRC USA Coordinator, Chief Dr. Churchill Etuk, commended the National Chairman for his leadership and pledged their support for the expansion of the initiative across Nigeria and beyond.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant on Civil Engagement to the PCRC National Chairman, Comrade Bibi Oduku, described the launch as the beginning of renewed security attention for schools across the country. He disclosed that the Civil Engagement Department would collaborate with reputable community security outfits to complement the efforts of the PCRC in providing a peaceful and secure learning environment for students.
Oduku said the initiative would deepen trust between communities and security stakeholders while ensuring students learn without fear of insecurity. He also commended the National Chairman and members of the Safe Schools Committee for bringing the project to fruition and applauded the Inspector-General of Police for his commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s internal security architecture.
The PCRC said the Safe Schools Club Initiative is expected to produce a new generation of security-conscious young Nigerians who will serve as ambassadors of peace, order and community development, while reinforcing safety in schools nationwide.
