NAN-H-89
Award
By Kate Obande/Abujah Racheal
Abuja, Sept. 28, 2016 (NAN) The Nigeria Army, National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Fire Service and others have received award of excellence for their efforts in promoting safety in schools.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the award was conferred on the agencies by the Nigeria Safe School Association (NISSA) during the “Safe School Summit’’ in Abuja.
Maj.-Gen. Mathias Efeovbohkan (retired), Chief Executive Officer, Consultancy Unit, Nigeria Defence Academy, who presented the award to the recipients, said the gesture was to appreciate their service.
He explained that their sacrifice and efforts in ensuring peace in the North-East was note worthy and that NISSA wanted to blow their trumpets.
He acknowledged the Federal Fire Service for its timely intervention during fire outbreaks in schools.
“Many schools in the North-East have re-opened, thanks to the military as students and pupils can now go to school and come back without fear of attack.
“We want to thank you for your proactive response, relentless efforts and sacrifices in guaranteeing peace in the country.
“The award is to recognise your outstanding contribution in the promotion of peace and safety in the country and to encourage you to keep it up.’’
NAN reports that other recipients are the Federal University, Wukari, Taraba, and Babcock University, Ilishan in Ogun for ensuring peace in education.
Responding, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, who was represented by Col. Ali Nguru, thanked the association for the recognition of the efforts of the military.
Buratai assured Nigerians that the military was determined to ensure peace in the country.
“The security plan a decade ago emphasises on natural hazard and occasional man-made accidents.
“But today, this has been replaced with the reality that has taken over our way of life occasioned by terrorism, insurgency, cultism and so on.
“ This, therefore, calls for concerted efforts by all stakeholders including school management, to redouble their strategy in addressing the situation in schools.’’
He encouraged participants and the citizens to remain steadfast in their endeavour to keep Nigeria safe. (NAN)
AIR/KTE/MO/NKO
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(Edited by Morayo Omolade/Nkechi Okoronkwo)