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WARDC, Stakeholders Push for Passage of Safe School Declaration Bill

Our Reporters1 month ago1 month ago14 mins

The Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) and other key stakeholders have called for the urgent passage of the Safe School Declaration (SSD) Bill into law to ensure the protection of students, teachers, and educational institutions across Nigeria. Speaking at a recent advocacy meeting in Abuja, Executive Director of WARDC, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, emphasized that the increasing cases of attacks on schools, particularly in conflict-prone areas, demand immediate legislative action to safeguard the right to education. “The Safe School Declaration is not just a document; it is a commitment to protect our children and their future. Without legal backing, efforts to secure schools remain weak and inconsistent,” Akiyode-Afolabi said. She noted that Nigeria had endorsed the international Safe School Declaration in 2015 but stressed that without an enabling law, implementation has been fragmented. WARDC and its partners are urging the National Assembly to fast-track the legislative process to domesticate the SSD and make its principles legally binding. Several civil society organizations, education experts, security agencies, and representatives from the Ministry of Education joined WARDC in advocating for the bill. They highlighted the disturbing trend of mass abductions of students, school closures due to insecurity, and the resulting setbacks in education, especially for girls in the North. Dr. Akiyode-Afolabi also presented findings from a recent WARDC report, revealing that more than 1,500 students have been kidnapped from schools in the past five years, with many incidents occurring in the North-East and North-West regions. “Our children deserve to learn in a safe environment without fear. We must act now to stop this threat from stealing their dreams,” she urged. Stakeholders also called for greater investment in school security infrastructure, training for school personnel on emergency response, community involvement, and collaboration between security agencies and education authorities. Representatives of the National Assembly present at the event assured participants that steps are being taken to ensure the speedy passage of the bill. They pledged to work closely with civil society groups and other stakeholders to strengthen measures that guarantee safe learning environments. The Safe School Declaration, first launched in Oslo, Norway in 2015, is an inter-governmental political commitment to protect education during armed conflict and to ensure schools and universities are safe spaces for all students.

Lagos Govt. reaffirms commitment to sustainable development

Our Reporters5 months ago3 weeks ago05 mins

The Lagos State Government on Tuesday reaffirmed its readiness to partner with stakeholders to make Lagos a model of sustainable development in Africa. The State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu made this known at the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) 23rd Chief S.I. Edu Memorial Lecture held at CIBN Centre, Victoria Island, adding that to make a meaningful impact; collaboration is essential as government policies alone will not suffice. “We need the private sector, civil society, and our academic institutions to join hands in building a more sustainable future. Investing in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and eco-friendly technologies not only protects our environment but also stimulates economic growth”, he said. The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, who represented the Governor, said the annual event serves as a crucial reminder of the need to harmonize economic aspirations with preserving the natural environment. He added that the 2025 theme speaks to the heart of a pressing challenge as the evidence of climate change is all around and poses significant threats to communities, especially in Lagos, a coastal city vulnerable to flooding and erosion. He said that Climate-positive growth entails integrating sustainability into every facet of economic planning and development, stressing that Lagos has implemented several key initiatives to drive this change. He explained that the Lagos State Energy Master Plan aims to create a stable environment for investment and expand renewable energy policies, carefully considering factors such as energy access, affordability, environmental impacts, and investment needs. He said complementing the aforementioned is the Lagos Integrated Energy Resource Plan, a comprehensive blueprint for the State’s energy initiatives, adding that this plan sets ambitious goals, which include the provision of a reliable and sustainable power supply as well as significantly improving electricity supply to critical public infrastructure. He explained that the Lagos Renewable Energy Transformation Project is actively working to create a cleaner and more secure energy future for the state by leveraging innovative renewable energy solutions and enhancing energy efficiency across the board. He said these initiatives have resulted in a demonstrable increase in solar energy adoption in the past few years, showcasing the commitment to clean and a sustainable urban planning initiative. Examples, according to him, include the development of green spaces in previously underutilized areas, which have also contributed to a healthier environment. Sanwo-Olu added that the transformation of the dumpsite at Olawale Dawodu Road in the Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA into a 5-A-side Astro-Turf Football pitch, consisting of parking and open space for recreation, has helped mitigate the urban heat. He said the legacy of Chief S.L. Edu reminds everyone that environmental stewardship is a responsibility everyone shares; as such, there is a need to empower young people with the knowledge and tools to become active participants in building a greener future. He added that this could involve supporting environmental clubs in schools, organising community clean-up drives, or promoting educational campaigns on sustainable practices. The Governor stated further that there is a need to prioritize environmental education and community engagement for the young people who are the custodians of tomorrow to understand the value of conservation and sustainability.