BENIN CITY — In a major drive to strengthen safety consciousness and emergency preparedness in schools, the World Safety Organization (WSO), Nigeria, in collaboration with the Edo State Ministry of Education, has launched the SafERR (Safety and Emergency Response Ready) Schools Edo statewide advocacy campaign, targeting about 95,700 students, teachers and parents across 38 schools in 19 public secondary institutions.
The initiative, which commenced on Wednesday, May 20, began at Ihogbe College, ICE Road, Benin City, Edo State, where Junior and Senior Secondary School students participated in intensive safety awareness and emergency response training sessions.
Participants were trained on hazard identification and prevention, fire safety, proper use of fire extinguishers, and emergency response procedures in situations beyond individual control. The exercise also emphasized the importance of creating safer learning environments within schools and communities.
Speaking during the flag-off, a member of the WSO Nigeria team, Amb. Kelly Ogiesoba, said the project was designed to instill a strong culture of safety among students while reducing avoidable accidents and injuries in schools.
“We want schools to be safe environments where students can learn without fear of preventable accidents or hazards. This campaign is not limited to one school; we are taking the message of safety across Edo State to ensure students understand the importance of protecting themselves and others,” he said.
In his opening remarks, the Country Director of WSO Nigeria and Executive Director of SafERR Global Projects, Amb. Dr. Soji Olalokun, described the initiative as a people-focused intervention aligned with global development goals.
According to him, the project supports the “Leave No One Behind” vision by empowering young people with practical safety and emergency response skills capable of impacting communities positively.
“Touching the lives of these students will significantly contribute to the advancement of Sustainable Development Goals 3, 4, 10, 11 and 17,” Olalokun stated.
He commended Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, and the management of Ihogbe College for supporting the implementation of the project.
The Executive Principals of Ihogbe College Senior, Dr. Felix Egbe Ighodaro, and Ihogbe College Junior, Ahonkhai Evelyn, also lauded the initiative, describing the training as educative, practical, engaging and impactful.
They noted that the programme had helped to build a renewed consciousness among students and staff on safety management in schools, workplaces and homes.
Students who participated in the training expressed appreciation to the organizers, saying the exercise exposed them to practical knowledge on safety procedures and emergency response.
The Head Boy of Ihogbe College Senior, Joseph Esangubong Moses, and the Head Girl of Ihogbe College Junior, Glory Oselumese David, said they gained valuable lessons on hazard prevention and personal safety practices within their immediate environment.
Following the Ihogbe College sessions, the WSO Nigeria team proceeded to Idia College, Benin City, where students from both Junior and Senior Secondary Schools received training on safety awareness, first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), recovery position techniques, and fire extinguisher handling.
The practical demonstrations formed a major highlight of the programme, with students actively participating in emergency response simulations.
The advocacy campaign later extended to Oba Akenzua Senior and Junior Secondary Schools as well as Edokpolor Senior and Junior Secondary Schools on Friday, May 22.
At Oba Akenzua schools, students and teachers were trained on hazard prevention, school safety responsibilities and practical fire extinguisher operations, while participants at Edokpolor schools received additional instruction on CPR and recovery position techniques for unconscious victims.
Students at the various schools also participated in hands-on demonstrations aimed at reinforcing the practical application of the skills acquired during the sessions.
Organizers described the outreach as a strategic effort to build a sustainable culture of safety and emergency preparedness in schools across Edo State.
The broader SafERR Schools Edo project is expected to continue in 18 other public secondary institutions, equipping students and educators with life-saving skills and emergency response knowledge necessary for safer school communities.