Abuja: An NGO, Lola Cater Foundation, has made a call for enhanced collaboration with key stakeholders to support the National Safe Schools Project, emphasizing the importance of youth involvement in school safety and civic engagement. The foundation highlighted this initiative through its DreamRise Fest-Young Leaders Assembly during an educational visit to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) National Headquarters in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the foundation’s Executive Director, Miss Ololade Ogunnubi, expressed gratitude to the NSCDC for facilitating discussions on school safety and national security with young people. Ogunnubi underscored the significance of integrating the perspectives of children affected by conflict and displacement into policy and security dialogues. She extended an invitation to the NSCDC to collaborate with the foundation at the DreamRise Young Leaders Assembly National Leadership Academy, scheduled for August 24 to August 27, 2026.
Ogunnubi outlined that the proposed partnership would encompass sessions on safe schools, peacebuilding, national security, responsible citizenship, leadership, and patriotism. She emphasized that exposing children to public institutions can foster trust, confidence, and a stronger sense of civic responsibility.
Dr. Samuel Umanah, Commander of the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre, highlighted the necessity of collective efforts by government, parents, teachers, communities, civil society organizations, and youths to ensure school safety. Umanah praised the foundation for creating a platform that allows children and youths to engage directly with institutions responsible for their protection.
Umanah reiterated that every Nigerian child deserves a safe, secure, and fear-free learning environment and stressed the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving this goal. He assured ongoing support for initiatives that promote safety, resilience, and security awareness among school-aged children nationwide.
During an interactive session, students Khadijah Abubukar and Aliyu Suleiman, from the Lola Cater Academy in the Karonmajigi IDPs Camp, discussed with NSCDC officials on improving education and protection for children in Internally Displaced Persons camps. They also inquired about safe ways for children to contribute to community safety.
A 100-level medical student, Folarin Oluleye, suggested first aid training and the establishment of Safe School Clubs, while ICT student Mayowa Ogunnubi explored how technology could enhance school security. NSCDC officials encouraged young people to promote peaceful coexistence, remain vigilant, and report suspicious activities to trusted adults and security agencies when necessary.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the visit allowed students from the academy to engage with officials on topics of school safety, child protection, and responsible citizenship. The visit concluded with both NSCDC and the foundation committing to strengthen their collaboration in advancing safer schools across the nation.