The Abia State Command of Man O’ War Nigeria has flagged off a statewide school safety sensitization campaign under the Safe School Initiative programme in an effort to complement the government’s drive towards creating a safe and disciplined learning environment.
The campaign, which commenced in selected schools across the State, seeks to equip teachers and students with vital knowledge on safety measures, emergency response, and personal discipline. It also aims to tackle the growing challenges of truancy, indiscipline, and loitering among schoolchildren.
During one of the sensitization sessions, the Abia State Commander of Man O’ War, Rev. Simon Onwubiko, explained that the exercise forms part of a broader national effort to ensure that schools remain secure, structured, and conducive for learning. He noted that the Safe School Initiative is a proactive and preventive approach designed to reduce the risks of insecurity, accidents, and behavioural misconduct within school environments.
“Our goal is to make sure that every student in Abia State learns in a safe and disciplined environment. Safety is everyone’s responsibility, and we want to ensure that both students and teachers understand the importance of vigilance, discipline, and respect for school rules,” Rev. Onwubiko said.
He further urged students to desist from loitering during school hours, warning that idleness often exposes young people to negative influences and social vices. Teachers, he added, should serve as role models in enforcing discipline and safety compliance within school premises.
The Safe School Initiative was recently launched by the National Commander of Man O’ War Nigeria, NC Adedamola Gbenga, as part of the organization’s renewed mandate to promote security consciousness, discipline, and community engagement among young people. The programme is structured to strengthen safety protocols in educational institutions and instil values of responsibility, patriotism, and civic duty in students.
The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education formally granted approval to Man O’ War on May 16, 2025, to collaborate with the ministry in supporting the fight against truancy and promoting a culture of discipline and moral uprightness in schools across the state.
Speaking further, Rev. Onwubiko commended the State government for its continued support and partnership, describing the initiative as a practical step toward safeguarding the future of children in the state. He called on school administrators, teachers, parents, and community leaders to work together with Man O’ War in sustaining the campaign and spreading its impact beyond the school gates.
The sensitization exercise is expected to cover all the 17 local government areas of Abia State in phases, targeting both public and private schools. It will feature interactive sessions, safety drills, moral education talks, and training on basic first aid, emergency response, and personal security awareness.
By this initiative, the Abia State Command of Man O’ War has reaffirmed its commitment to nation-building through community service, discipline, and youth development, thereby ensuring that Abia schools become not just centres of learning, but also of safety and moral excellence. Rev Simon Onwubiko, Commander Abia State Man O’ War, concluded.