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Katsina Domesticates National Safe Schools Policy

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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

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Ekiti 2026: Re-elect Oyebanji for second term – Tinubu tells residents

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s performance in office, telling Ekiti voters that the governor came into leadership fully prepared to serve the people.

Speaking ahead of the June 20 governorship election, Tinubu urged residents to re-elect Oyebanji for a second term.

The endorsement came on Tuesday at the All Progressives Congress mega rally in Ado-Ekiti. The venue was packed with party faithful, allies from other political groups, and supporters across religious and ethnic lines, all showing solidarity with Oyebanji’s re-election bid.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu praised Ekiti citizens for their loyalty to the APC over the years.

He described the state as fortunate to have Oyebanji at the helm of affairs, noting that the governor’s actions and policies prove that true leadership is about serving people, not oppressing them or undermining their rights.

Tinubu highlighted Oyebanji’s humility, patience, and respect for traditional rulers and past leaders, pointing out the absence of opposition posters across the state as a sign of Oyebanji’s wide acceptance.

“On Saturday, go out and re-elect this humble and peaceful man to further serve you better,” Shettima said on Tinubu’s behalf. The President then symbolically handed Oyebanji over to former governors and first ladies, urging them to secure victory for him.

Chairman of the APC National Campaign Council and Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, described Oyebanji’s popularity as electrifying.

Chairman of the APC Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, said the party’s visibility in Ekiti was unmatched. He noted that only the APC had campaigned market to market and house to house.

APC National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwadta, insisted the party’s confidence was rooted in Oyebanji’s connection to the people, not just in being the ruling party.

A visibly elated Governor Oyebanji, joined by his wife Dr Olayemi Oyebanji and Deputy Monisade Afuye, said he was not relying on federal might but on his record and the promises he kept since 2022.

He appealed for a peaceful election and promised that his second term would surpass the achievements of the last three and a half years.

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Nigerian Striker Toyosi Olusanya Completes Permanent Move to Aberdeen on Two-Year Deal

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Scottish Premiership club Aberdeen have secured the permanent signing of London-born Nigerian striker Toyosi Olusanya, with the forward committing his future to the club on a two-year contract after an impressive loan spell.

READ ALSO: Isaac John Turns Heads at Ex-Internationals Cup in Lagos, Declares Himself Ready for the Big Stage 

Sports247 reports that the 28-year-old joins the Dons as a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Major League Soccer side Houston Dynamo. His arrival marks another key addition to manager Stephen Robinson’s rebuilding project ahead of the new season.

Olusanya spent the second half of the previous campaign on loan at Aberdeen, where he quickly adapted to life in Scottish football.

During his stint, he made 18 appearances across all competitions and contributed three goal involvements, earning the confidence of the coaching staff and convincing the club to pursue a permanent deal.

The striker’s work rate, physical presence, and attacking versatility made him a valuable option during his loan spell, and Aberdeen will be hoping he can build on that foundation as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming Premiership campaign.

His signing represents the fifth addition to Robinson’s squad during the summer transfer window as the club continues to strengthen its roster with an eye on domestic success and improved performances across all competitions.

Born in London and eligible to represent Nigeria, Olusanya has enjoyed a career spanning English football and Major League Soccer before making the move north of the border.

The permanent transfer offers him the opportunity to continue his development in a familiar environment after settling into the team during his loan period.

For Aberdeen, retaining a player who already understands the club’s style and expectations provides continuity as they reshape the squad for the new season.

Supporters will be eager to see the Nigerian forward translate his promising displays into consistent goals and assists over the course of the campaign.

With his future now secured at Pittodrie, Olusanya begins the next chapter of his career aiming to establish himself as a key figure in Aberdeen’s attack and help the club compete strongly in the Scottish Premiership.

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