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Katsina Domesticates National Safe Schools Policy

Published

3 months ago

May 6, 2026

Preport

Katsina National Safe Schools Policy.webp

By Abbas Bamalli

Katsina State has domesticated the National Safe Schools Policy (NSSP), aimed at protecting students and teachers.

Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina State, who announced this at the official launch of the policy in Katsina, also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding learning environments across the state.

The governor described the initiative as a strategic step towards addressing growing threats to education, including violence, intimidation and disruption in schools.

He said that the policy, adapted from the 2021 national framework, was tailored to reflect the peculiar security realities of Katsina, particularly in rural and vulnerable communities.

“The initiative is designed to strengthen prevention and preparedness mechanisms, improve early warning systems and provide psychosocial support for learners and teachers affected by insecurity and emergencies,” he said.

The governor commended members of the state steering committee and development partners, particularly Save the Children International (SCI), for their roles in successfully domesticating the policy.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the process is supported by the Government of Japan, through the Education Cannot Wait (ECW) project, being implemented by the SCI.

Radda acknowledged the advocacy efforts of the Children’s Parliament, announcing the release of N33million to support its activities and amplify the voices of children in governance processes.

NAN also reports that the Children’s Parliament on several occasions advocated for the domestication of the safe-school policy, and also budget lines to support their activities.

According to Radda, the policy integrates school safety into planning, budgeting, implementation and accountability structures at the community, local government and state levels.

The governor assured that the state government would continue to prioritise the protection of schools by investing in safe infrastructure and mobilising resources to strengthen security systems across educational institutions.

Earlier, the SCI Deputy Country Representative, Jane Mbagi, said that the organisation has been working in Katsina for nearly 15 years, focusing on maternal, newborn and child health, nutrition, child participation and system strengthening.

According to her, in 2025, SCI supported the enrolment of over 122,000 children in formal and non-formal education, including 235 children with special needs, while also strengthening community and health systems for polio vaccination, achieving coverage of nine in every 10 children.

She added that the SCI had earlier responded to the malnutrition crisis through multi-purpose cash transfers and is currently supporting efforts to tackle diphtheria in the state.

Mbagi further described that the approval of funds for the children’s parliament, and the domestication of the policy has demonstrated the governor’s genuine political will.

“This is not symbolic; it is a structural change,” she said, stressing that the move reflects strong commitment to child participation and positions children as active stakeholders in governance.

Saudat Akilu, speaking on behalf of the Children’s Parliament, delivered an emotional and powerful address, highlighting the importance of safety in schools and the direct impact of insecurity on children’s education in Katsina.

Recalling a troubling period when schools were forced to shut down due to insecurity, she noted that children carried fear instead of books, while parents and teachers lived in constant uncertainty.

According to her, these harsh realities compelled children to raise their voices and demand action, expressing delight that these demands had been met, announcing that their activities would commence immediately.

NAN reports that states in Nigeria are actively domesticating the NSSP and Minimum Standards (approved 2021) to protect schools from attacks, violence, and hazards.

Key efforts include forming state steering committees and implementing “Safe School Financing” plans.

Katsina has intensified efforts, becoming a notable example of domestication, while Plateau is a pilot state.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Related Topics:Domesticates Katsina national Policy Safe Schools

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The fourth edition of Jasper Fiton Football Tournament Begins in Bokkos, Unites 45 Teams for Peace and Talent Discovery

Published

3 minutes ago

August 3, 2026

Preport

The fourth edition of the Jasper Fiton Football Tournament officially kicked off on Sunday at the Bokkos Mini Stadium, with hundreds of football enthusiasts, community leaders and stakeholders gathering to celebrate grassroots football, youth development and peaceful coexistence.

The tournament, which has become one of the most anticipated sporting events in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, began with a humanitarian outreach during which exercise books and cash donations were presented to over 100 indigent and physically challenged persons before the opening match.

In the tournament’s opening fixture, Takai United FC and Young Stars FC settled for a thrilling 1-1 draw, entertaining a capacity crowd that filled the stadium.

This year’s competition features 45 teams drawn from across Bokkos Local Government Area, with the grand finale scheduled for October. The eventual champions will receive a substantial cash prize.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the sponsor of the tournament, Chief Joseph Maful, popularly known as Jasper Fiton, described football as a powerful instrument for promoting peace and unity in communities.

Bokkos is a community that loves peace. The massive turnout here today shows that our people desire to live together in harmony. Football is the only language that can unite people regardless of their differences,” he said.

Chief Maful explained that the competition was created to provide young people with meaningful engagement while encouraging sporting excellence despite prevailing security challenges in some parts of the country.

“We are doing this because we want this tournament to endure, so that even generations yet unborn will know that football can bring people together. Security challenges will not stop us from creating opportunities for our youths to interact, learn and build lasting friendships,” he stated.

He also challenged community leaders, stakeholders and elites in Bokkos to invest more in youth-focused initiatives through sports.

“This is a challenge to every stakeholder. When we invest in our young people, we invest in the future of our community,” he added.

Beyond football, the tournament’s opening ceremony featured a significant humanitarian gesture as Chief Maful distributed ten 40-leaf exercise books and cash gifts of at least ₦10,000 each to more than 100 physically challenged and less privileged individuals.

According to him, the outreach was inspired by biblical principles of compassion and the need to support vulnerable members of society.

“We are only custodians of what we have. It is important to support the less privileged and make them feel included in our community,” he said.

Chief Maful also revealed that previous editions of the tournament had produced talented footballers who are now pursuing careers in different parts of Nigeria, expressing optimism that this year’s competition would create even greater opportunities, including possible international exposure for outstanding players.

Tournament Built on Unity and Talent Discovery

Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Israel Hamidu Dakup, said the competition has remained true to its founding vision since its inception four years ago.

“Four years ago, we started this tournament to unite our youth, promote sportsmanship and discover talents. Today, that vision is alive and growing stronger,” Dakup said.

He urged participating teams to compete with discipline, respect and integrity, stressing that the tournament represents more than the pursuit of trophies.

“This tournament is about character and opportunity. To our coaches, officials, sponsors, partners and volunteers, thank you for your commitment in making this edition bigger and better,” he stated.

Dakup noted that this year’s theme, “Keeping Our Youth Engaged, Healthy and Away from Social Vices Through Football,” underscores the organisers’ commitment to youth empowerment, community development and peacebuilding through sports.

He thereafter declared the fourth edition of the Jasper Fiton Football Tournament officially open and wished all participating teams a successful and sportsmanlike competition.

News

‘Security operatives connive with local militias to kill our people’ – Fulani youth leader alleges

Published

1 hour ago

August 3, 2026

Preport

A Fulani youth leader in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, Umar Yusuf, has accused security operatives of conniving with local militia gangs to kill herders, steal their cows and extort money from them to release the livestock.

Yusuf, who made the allegations during a town hall meeting convened by the Kautal Pulaaku Fulbe Association of Nigeria, KPFAN, on Saturday, said operatives of security agencies in the council go on raids alongside local Irigwe youths where they attack innocent herders, kill them and rustle their cattle.

While speaking during the meeting, Yusuf said the practice has been going on for years and has gotten worse in recent times.

“What has been happening in Bassa and other parts of Plateau State is a very worrisome situation.

“You will be surprised to hear that security personnel connive with local Irigwe militants to attack Fulani herdsmen during raids on Fulani communities,” he said.

He further alleged that during such raids, some of which end up with casualties, cows are seized from the communities while the owners are later made to pay huge amounts of money to get them back.

“Our cattle are seized and stolen from us and taken to a military camp for days, weeks and sometimes months without an iota of reason for farm encroachment whatsoever.

“We will then have to pay huge sums of money to get them back from the security people. We, the Fulani herders, face severe economic backwardness as a result of this. We deserve protection as much as others,” Yusuf said.

He further alleged that on July 30th, some Fulani herders were attacked by armed Irigwe youths along with some security personnel, during which six cows were killed and others severely injured in an unprovoked attack at Ancha village in the LGA, while a herdsman identified as Muhammadu Rebo was killed while grazing peacefully without encroaching on any farmland.