By: AUSTINE EMMANUEL, Kaduna
A Non Governmental Organisations (NGO), ActionAid Nigeria (AAN), has appealed for stronger collaboration with the Kaduna State Government to counter violent extremism in the state.
The appeal was made in Kaduna on Monday, during a high-level visit to Kaduna State Government by ActionAid Nigeria, led by the Director, Preventing Violent Extremism, National Counter Terrorism Centre, (NCTC) Office of the National Security Adviser, (ONSA) Abuja, Ambassador Mairo Musa Abbas.
The solicited partnership is aimed at strengthening relationship between the government of Kaduna State and AAN in tackling violence, through the System and Structure Strengthening Approach against Radicalization to Violent Extremism (SARVE III) project, funded by Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF).
Speaking at the courtesy visit in Kaduna on Monday, Ambassador Mairo commended the state government for its efforts in addressing security challenges, emphasizing the need for collaboration between the NCTC and the state to build the capacity of stakeholders and afterwards develop a State Action Plan (SAP), for preventing and countering violent extremism.
She noted that, “ActionAid Nigeria has been working in Kaduna State to empower communities and prevent violent extremism. The organization has implemented various projects, including the System and Structure Strengthening Approach against Radicalization to Violent Extremism (SARVE III) project, which aims to identify the underlying causes of radicalization and develop strategies to address the problem.”
In his remarks, the Country Director ActionAid Nigeria, Mr. Andrew Mamedu averred that the NGO has been building community resilience against violent extremism across six LGAs, covering 12 communities in Kaduna State.
Represented by the Deputy Country Director and Director of Programme, AAN, Suwaiba Mohammed Dankabo, ActionAid highlighted their successes in six LGAs of project Communities: Chikun, Igabi, Kachia, Jema’a, Kudan, and Zaria, comprising of Damishi, Kujama, Turunku, Nariya, Kachia, Gumel, Takau, Ungwan Masara, Likoro, Hunkuyi, Wusasa and Gwargwaje communities.
Mamedu disclosed that they have empowered over 8,500 direct beneficiaries and established various structures, including women safe spaces, Community Action and Response Teams, and Peace clubs, to foster peaceful coexistence and promote diversity.
He added that, “ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) recently got additional grant from Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF) to scale – up and mainstream Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) in Nigeria.
“The scale-up is under round III of the “System and Structure Strengthening Approach against Radicalization to Violent Extremism (SARVE) Project in Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Sokoto states, with the support of office of National Security Advisor – National Counter Terrorism Unit aims to empower PAVE network as a diverse body of civil actors, communities, and formal or informal associations playing a crucial role in a whole-of-society approach and whole of government approach to PCVE through the development and dissemination of evidence-based action research, sharing good practices, communication, advocacy for private sector funding to PCVE establishing regional hubs and exploring platforms for collaboration in PCVE programming.
“Violent extremism poses a multifaceted challenge that demands a comprehensive and collaborative response. The recent protest in the North which Kaduna was inclusive was glaringly highlighted the fragility of our social fabric and security in the society and this called for actions to meet-up with the people demands of especially the younger generation.
“It is on this mantra that over the past 25 months we have built community resilience against violent Extremism across 6 local government (Chikun, Igabi, Kachia, Jema’a, Kudan, Zaria) and 12 communities (Damishi, Kujama, Turunku, Nariya, Kachia, Gumel, Takau, Ungwan Masara, Likoro, Hunkuyi, Wusasa, Gwargwaje) in Kaduna state.
“We handed livelihood equipment worth N 52,000,000 (34,666 USD) to 300 youth and women in Kaduna. The beneficiaries were trained across 4 vocational skills (Cattle rearing, Poultry, Tailoring and Piggery) We are thrilled to report that over 8,500 direct beneficiaries have been sensitized and empowered to foster peaceful coexistence and promote diversity in their communities.
“The project has led to the establishment of 12 women safe spaces, mentoring women on leadership and Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE). Furthermore, 12 Community Action and Response Teams (CARTs) have been formed to enhance early warning capabilities, along with 12 Local Conflict Management Alliance (LOCMA) at the local government level, 20 Peace clubs established and recently 30 Youths were trained on computer appreciation training and digital marketing all of which are instrumental in fostering peace, harmony and building resilience. Just to mention but a few of our results.“
In his response, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani appreciated the visit as timely, noting that the NGOs efforts will help serve as a way of complimenting the government’s policies to rid the state of pain and trauma that accompanies violence.
Sani who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe Sabuwa emphasized that internal security as the bedrock of every society is key to sustainable growth and development and as such must be prioritized against all odds.
Sabuwa, stressed that the government of Uba Sani is working with Opinion, Religious and Traditional Leaders including relevant stakeholders to enhance relative peace in Kaduna state.
She added that Kaduna State Government is looking forward to seeing the impact of the project on its people, while pledging the governor’s commitment to deeper collaboration, strategies and initiatives that would foster a more peaceful coexistience among residents of Kaduna State.
