Authorities have been urged to conduct integrity tests on school buildings and to report unsafe practices around schools, emphasizing that every child deserves a safe place to learn and grow.
This call was made during a peace walk in Jos today 24th July 2024 organized by an Abuja based NGO, The Ike Odoeme Foundation, the walk involving women and youths in Jos took place from Old Airport Junction to Secretariat Junction.
Speaking to journalists after the walk, Mrs. Sarah Dalut, Chairperson of the Women Wing Christian Association of Nigeria (Plateau State Chapter), stressed the importance of safety in educational institutions at all levels. “We cannot play with life. We cannot buy life. So we have to guide ourselves and take good care of ourselves and be our neighbor’s keepers. Whenever you see any hazard, please speak out. Our children are our future, and when their lives are cut short, it jeopardizes our future,” she said.
Suzie Agas, Programs Officer at the Ike Odoeme Foundation, highlighted the importance of the awareness walk. “We visited victims in the hospital to show our support. We must ensure that relevant stakeholders are held accountable and prevent such incidents from happening again. This march is to create awareness and ensure everyone takes part in governance,” she stated.
Engineer Salomi Pam emphasized the need for professional involvement in school construction to avoid tragedies. “This incident could have been avoided if professionals were engaged. Structural integrity tests and supervision at critical stages of construction are essential. Cheap, substandard practices lead to preventable deaths and long-term trauma for survivors,” she said.
Ms. Christiana Dazong from the Victoria Rhema Family Foundation thanked the Ike Odoeme Foundation for their efforts. She urged the Plateau State Government to support children and ensure schools are safe for learning. “Every child has a purpose and deserves a safe environment to achieve their potential. We must listen to and support our children to prevent future tragedies,” she said.
This call to action follows the tragic collapse of the Saints Academy two-story building in Busa-Buji community, Jos North Local Government Area, which claimed over 20 lives and left many injured. The Ike Odoeme Foundation earlier visited hospitalized victims and provided support. The community is still in mourning and in need of support to prevent similar incidents in the future.
