Commander of Man O’ War Nigeria, NC Adedamola Gbenga, has assured the Federal Government of the organisation’s continued partnership in safeguarding schools under the Safe School Initiative.
Adedamola gave the assurance at the 3rd National Commandants Conference held in Abuja to commemorate International Volunteers Day, where the organisation launched its 2025 Man O’ War Week.
He described Man O’ War Nigeria as the largest volunteer organisation in Africa, working in youth leadership, emergency response, civic discipline, and community safety. According to him, the group is already deploying personnel to schools across states in support of the Safe School Initiative. 
“Man O’ War is a strategic national partner in securing schools, empowering young people and strengthening community resilience. Every contribution matters, and we remain committed to supporting government efforts to keep Nigerian children safe,” he said.
Launched in 2014 after the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls, the Safe School Initiative is a government-UN-private sector partnership designed to secure schools in high-risk communities and improve emergency response capacity.
Representing the Director-General of the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC), Ms. Rinsola Abiola, the Director of Operations and Rescue, Dr. Alero Abokwara Adjekota, commended Man O’ War for its role in volunteer mobilisation and community safety programmes.
She said the collaboration between CLTC and Man O’ War Nigeria reflects a shared philosophy of civic responsibility, adding that volunteer organisations remain vital to addressing national challenges in security, education and community development.
“Societal progress is the cumulative result of intentional and consistent contributions. We must build a culture where citizens see themselves as part of the solution. Every act of service strengthens our national fabric,” she said.
In his keynote address, Adebayo Lawal, financial and investment expert and the patron of the Man O’ War called for stronger community-based security initiatives and urged schools to work with well-trained volunteer networks to enhance safety measures for students.
He emphasised that sustainable security architecture requires collaboration between government agencies, private sector partners, civil society and volunteers.
“Every child’s safety matters. National progress is achieved when citizens recognise their responsibility in securing their communities,” he stated.
The conference brought together national officers and state commanders, with several inductees honoured by the World Institute of Peace for contributions to volunteerism and community safety.
