The Oyo State Government has reassured parents and guardians of its unwavering commitment to the safety and wellbeing of learners across the state, urging them not to withdraw their children from school following the recent release of abducted students and their teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, gave the assurance during a courtesy visit to the recently rescued learners and teachers at Ahoro Dada, Yawota, Alawusa and Esiele communities in Oriire Local Government on Tuesday.
Olayiwola, who led a delegation comprising the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, and the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Alhaja Fausat Ajoke Sanni, said the visit was aimed at assessing the welfare of the victims, offering moral support and reaffirming the State Government’s commitment to protecting every child.
Addressing the rescued learners, teachers, parents and community members at Yawota, the Commissioner urged parents not to allow the unfortunate incident to discourage them from sending their children to school.
He stressed that Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration remains resolute in strengthening security measures around schools and ensuring that every learner can access quality education in a safe and secure environment.
During the visit, the delegation presented 20 packs of Gluco Rush-D Energy Booster, donated by Reals Pharmaceuticals, to the rescued learners and teachers as a gesture of care and encouragement to support their recovery.
The team also paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Mr. John Olaleye, expressing the State Government’s sympathy over the loss and praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.
Responding on behalf of the communities and residents, Mr. Oyelakin Razaq (alias imagination) expressed appreciation to the Oyo State Government for identifying with the victims through the visit and the presentation of relief materials. He, however, appealed for enhanced security around schools to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
The delegation later visited the Oriire Local Government Secretariat, where they participated in a special interactive security meeting with key stakeholders, which was chaired by the Executive Chairman of the Local Government, Hon. Alabi Olateju , in attendance were traditional rulers, representatives of federal and state security agencies, and the Chief Medical Director of LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Professor Olawale Olakuleyin.
Among the key issues discussed were measures to provide adequate psychosocial support for the affected learners to help mitigate the effects of the traumatic experience and facilitate their successful reintegration into the school system.
The meeting also stressed the importance of adhering to due process in the removal of trees within and around school premises to enhance visibility and strengthen security surveillance, particularly in view of the sustained heavy presence of military personnel and other security agencies at Esinele and the Oriire Local Government Council headquarters.
Speaking at the meeting, Olayiwola commended the security agencies, community leaders and other stakeholders for their swift response and collaboration, which led to the successful rescue of the learners and teachers. He called for sustained collaboration among all stakeholders to further strengthen security across schools and communities in the local government area.
Also, speaking at the meeting, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Alhaja Faosat Sanni, stated that the Ministry, in partnership with UNICEF, had trained selected community volunteers on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) as part of efforts to provide psychosocial care and emotional support for learners, their families, and other affected members of the community.
She noted that the intervention was designed to help mitigate the psychological impact of the recent incident and promote the emotional recovery and reintegration of the affected learners into the school system.
The Commissioner further disclosed that the Ministry, in collaboration with UNICEF, would return to the community next week to conduct a monitoring and supportive supervision exercise aimed at strengthening the community-based MHPSS structure, assessing the progress of the intervention, and ensuring the continued delivery of quality psychosocial support services.
The delegation includes the Director of Basic Education, Mrs. Susan Oladipo; the Director of Child Services, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mr. Leke Ojerinde and Mr. Emmanuel Elegbede of the Basic Education Department.
