The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has granted final approval for the commencement of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) Safe School Club Initiative across Nigeria, marking a significant step towards strengthening school safety and promoting community policing.
According to a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Strategies, Arakunrin Badmus Omoniyi Saburi, the approval was conveyed during a meeting at the Louis Edet House, Force Headquarters, Abuja, where the IGP reviewed the implementation framework and endorsed the nationwide rollout of the initiative.
As part of the approval, the police chief also selected one of the three proposed Safe School Club uniform designs, including the distinctive Fez cap, as the official uniform for members nationwide. He further approved a specially designed traffic safety banner to be used by students while crossing roads to and from school, reinforcing the programme’s focus on the safety and welfare of schoolchildren.
The IGP commended the leadership of the PCRC under its National Chairman, Ibraheem Olaniyan, for developing the initiative and reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to supporting its successful implementation.
He advised the PCRC to build a membership strength of more than 10,000 participants to ensure effective coordination, accountability and proper management of the programme across the country. The police chief also directed that adequate security coding and identification features be incorporated into the approved uniforms to prevent misuse and ensure traceability.
Responding on behalf of the PCRC National Executive Committee, Olaniyan expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police for endorsing the initiative and pledged that the committee would work closely with POLCACOF, the Force Public Relations Department and the Commissioner of Police overseeing the Safe School Programme to ensure its success.
The PCRC chairman also commended the Chairman of PCRC Rivers State, Voke, for leading the IGP Special Assignment Committee with dedication and professionalism, noting that his performance earned commendation from the Inspector-General of Police and the Force Management Team.
He further acknowledged the contributions of members of the IGP Special Assignment Committee and praised the National Coordinator of the Safe School Initiative, Samuel Olaoluwa Akintoye, for his strategic coordination and commitment to the project.
The approval marks the completion of the planning phase of the Safe School Club Initiative and signals the commencement of nationwide implementation. The programme is expected to enhance school safety, promote security awareness among students, deepen community participation in policing and strengthen collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and communities across the country.
