In a renewed effort to strengthen security awareness and promote a safe learning environment across Abia State, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abia State Command, has launched a comprehensive statewide School Safety Sensitization and Reach-Out Programme in partnership with the Civil Defence Officers’ Wives Association (CDOWA), Abia State Chapter.

The initiative, which commenced on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, is designed to educate students, school administrators, and teachers on emerging security threats, personal safety measures, self-defence, and the dangers associated with illicit drug trafficking and abuse. The programme also includes the donation of educational materials to students and sanitary products for the girl child as part of efforts to enhance learning and promote the welfare of schoolchildren.
Launching the campaign at the Command Headquarters in Umuahia, the State Commandant, CC Chukwuemeka N. Odimba, FCIA, KSM, JP, described the initiative as a strategic intervention aimed at building a generation of security-conscious citizens.

According to him, the programme is intended to instill a culture of vigilance and responsibility among young people while equipping teachers with the knowledge needed to respond effectively to security challenges within school environments.
“The School Safety Sensitization Exercise is a carefully designed programme to build a culture of security consciousness and alertness among our children and the teaching staff. We believe that if we get it right at this level, our society will undoubtedly become safer,” the Commandant stated.
Commandant Odimba explained that the sensitization campaign represents the second phase of the Command’s Safe School initiative, following the successful completion of a comprehensive security assessment tour of unity schools, colleges of education, polytechnics, and universities across Abia State.

He noted that findings from the assessment informed the need to embark on an extensive reorientation and awareness campaign aimed at preventing security breaches and creating peaceful learning environments throughout the state.
“This is the next stage of the Command’s comprehensive plan to safeguard our children, protect teachers, and ensure that schools remain secure centres for learning and development,” he added.
The State Commandant commended the Civil Defence Officers’ Wives Association (CDOWA), Abia State Chapter, for its unwavering support and commitment to humanitarian services. He particularly praised the State Chairperson, Lady Ijeoma Odimba, who also serves as the wife of the State Commandant, for championing programmes that promote peace, education, and the welfare of vulnerable children.

He highlighted the association’s numerous interventions, including security sensitization workshops, provision of educational materials, scholarships for indigent students, and distribution of sanitary products to female students, describing the initiatives as critical investments in the future of the state.
As part of the outreach, the team visited Comprehensive Secondary School, Umuda, where the Head of the Safe School Unit, CSC Umezurike Chinyere, educated students on personal security awareness, self-defence techniques, and the importance of remaining vigilant against criminal activities.
She emphasized that security is a shared responsibility and urged students to always report suspicious activities to appropriate authorities while maintaining discipline and patriotism.
Responding on behalf of the school, the Principal, Mrs. Ezenwa Ngozi A., expressed profound appreciation to the NSCDC and CDOWA for extending the programme to the school.
She noted that beyond safeguarding lives and property, the initiative would help build responsible, security-conscious, and patriotic young citizens capable of contributing positively to society.

The sensitization exercise has also been successfully conducted at Abayi Community Secondary School, Abayi, where the Principal, Mr. Francis Victor Pecker, applauded the initiative and appealed for its sustainability to ensure more students benefit from the programme.
Other beneficiary institutions visited include Ogbodiukwu Community Secondary School, Ogbodiukwu, Umuahia South Local Government Area, and Lohum Secondary School, Bende Local Government Area, where educational materials were distributed following security enlightenment sessions.
The NSCDC Abia State Command disclosed that the campaign will continue across the remaining schools in the state, with plans to ensure that every student benefits from security education, while educational and sanitary materials are distributed to support learning and improve the wellbeing of schoolchildren.
The Command and CDOWA also appealed to corporate organizations, philanthropists, public-spirited individuals, and other stakeholders to partner with the association in expanding the programme’s reach to every school across Abia State.

The initiative underscores the commitment of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to proactive crime prevention through public enlightenment, community engagement, and strategic partnerships geared towards creating a peaceful, secure, and crime-free society.

Onyebuchi Juliet Nwabu .

FIC Correspondent: Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)

22rd July 2026.

The spirit of intellectual engagement, academic excellence and educational advancement came alive in Umuahia as Vision Africa Radio 104.1FM, in collaboration with the Abia State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, held the 2025/2026 School Debate Prize Presentation Day, marking the 14th physical edition and 15th year of the highly celebrated academic competition.

The event, which attracted students, education stakeholders, government representatives, teachers and dignitaries from across the state, showcased the brilliance and critical thinking abilities of students who debated on the thought-provoking topic: “Is the grading system an accurate measure of a student’s intelligence?”

The competition, known for promoting healthy intellectual discourse among secondary school students, once again demonstrated the importance of education in shaping future leaders.

At the end of the keenly contested debate, Gradiel International School, Umuahia, emerged as the overall winner with an impressive 409 points, defeating other competing schools to clinch the prestigious first position.

University Demonstration School, Ihie Ndume, Umuahia, came second with 398 points, while Victorious Covenant High School, Aba, secured the third position after a commendable performance.

The atmosphere at the prize presentation ceremony was filled with excitement as students, teachers and supporters celebrated the achievements of the winning schools, reflecting the growing culture of academic competitiveness in Abia State.

Representing the wife of the Abia State Governor, Lady Priscilla Otti, the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Chidera Emetu, graced the occasion and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to promoting educational excellence and youth development.

Mrs. Priscilla Otti commended the President of Vision Africa Radio, Archbishop Sunday Onuoha, for sustaining the annual competition over the years, describing the initiative as a significant contribution to nurturing a generation of informed, responsible and academically driven young people.

According to her, education goes beyond examinations, grades and certificates, stressing that true learning should inspire curiosity, nurture creativity, build character and prepare young people to become responsible leaders and problem-solvers in society.

She further applauded the Abia State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education for its fruitful partnership with Vision Africa Radio, noting that the collaboration demonstrates the positive outcomes that can be achieved when government institutions and private organizations work together toward the advancement of education.

Representing the chairman of the event and former Chief of Army Staff, General Azubuike Ihejirika, retired WAEC staff, Sir Kester Ekekwe, commended teachers for their dedication and sacrifice in nurturing students towards excellence.

Sir Ekekwe also applauded the panel of judges for what he described as their promptness, fairness and professionalism in delivering judgment throughout the competition.

He further appreciated Governor Dr. Alex Otti for the infrastructural transformation ongoing in Abia State, noting that improvements in public facilities contribute significantly to creating an enabling environment for quality education.

In an emotionally charged address, renowned cleric and peace advocate, Archbishop Dr. Sunday Ndukwo Onuoha, expressed concern over the worsening insecurity affecting schools in parts of the country.

According to him, incidents of school abductions were minimal during the tenure of former Chief of Army Staff, General Azubuike Ihejirika, stressing that children deserve to learn in safe and secure environments.

Archbishop Onuoha passionately appealed to law enforcement agencies and political leaders to intensify efforts toward protecting schools and safeguarding the future of Nigerian children.

He lamented that insecurity has continued to rob many children of their fundamental right to education, insisting that every part of the country must be made safe for learning.

“Those in authority should ensure that students are protected and free to pursue their education without fear. Safety should never be denied to our children. Every part of this nation must become safe for learning,” he stressed.

The debate competition, stakeholders observed, has continued to serve as a veritable platform for discovering young talents, sharpening communication skills and promoting critical thinking among students in Abia State.

Many participants and guests described the event as a celebration of knowledge, discipline and the collective resolve to build a brighter future through education.

The Abia State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to creating a brighter future for children through sustained investment in quality education, healthcare, child protection and opportunities that would enable them to become responsible and successful citizens.

The Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, stated this during the 2026 Abia State Children’s Day Celebration held in Umuahia as part of activities marking the third anniversary of Governor Alex Otti’s transformational administration

Addressing children, parents, teachers, caregivers and dignitaries at the colourful event, Dr. Aghukwa described children as the pride of families, the hope of society and future leaders, stressing that their growth, protection and wellbeing remain a collective responsibility.

She expressed joy over the impressive turnout of children at the celebration, noting that the presence of bright, talented and cheerful pupils and students underscored the need for continued commitment toward nurturing and protecting the younger generation.

According to the Commissioner, the Otti-led administration has over the past three years demonstrated genuine concern for the welfare of children and families across the state through deliberate policies aimed at improving education, healthcare and the protection of children’s rights.
“As a government, we remain committed to creating a better future for every child in Abia State through quality education, healthcare, protection of children’s rights and the promotion of opportunities that will help them grow into responsible and successful citizens,” she stated.

Dr. Aghukwa explained that the Children’s Day celebration was not only a moment of fun and entertainment but also an opportunity to reaffirm the collective commitment of government, parents and stakeholders to raising children in an environment built on love, discipline, security and hope.

The Commissioner commended Governor Dr. Alex Otti for his visionary leadership and unrelenting dedication to the development of Abia State, noting that his administration has remained focused on policies that positively impact children and families.

She also applauded parents, teachers, caregivers and stakeholders for their sacrifices and contributions toward shaping the lives and future of children through guidance, mentorship and investment in education.
Speaking directly to the children, Dr. Aghukwa encouraged them to remain focused, respectful, hardworking and self-confident, urging them to dream big and remain committed to their education.

“Dream big, stay committed to your education, and always believe that you can achieve greatness,” she advised.

She expressed optimism that with sustained support and proper guidance, Abia children would grow into responsible leaders capable of contributing meaningfully to society.
Dr. Aghukwa concluded by praying for God’s blessings upon the children, Abia State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, while welcoming participants to what she described as a memorable and impactful celebration.