By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
In a bid to end farmer-herder clashes leading to loss of lives and property in Kaduna state, a Non Governmental Organisation under the auspices of NEEM foundation has sensitised stakeholders in the state.
The sensitisation aimed at amplifying the voices of women and youth on how to make their communities safer, had police, Nigerian Civil Defence Corps (NCDC), religious leaders, traditional rulers in attendance.
Others stakeholders at the event include exercise members of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN).
The state administrative officer of the foundation, Aliyu Mohammed said that the group has commenced the implementation of a project tagged, “Protecting Our Communities Initiative” in Benue, Kaduna, and Zamfara states.
He explained that the project employs frequent dialogues, community-driven, early warning and response mechanism, radio programmes as well as de-escalation of rumours amongst other peace engagements on social media.
According to the administrative officer, the exercise was aimed at creating a platform for collaboration amongst state actors, where experiences are shared.
Speaking on the objectives of the sensitization exercise, the district liason officer, Mujitaba Nasir said that one of the objectives is to inform and empower community stakeholders about the sustainability plan and elucidating their roles in ensuring peaceful co-existence amongst communities members.
” It is to also inspire stakeholders to commit to collective action towards implementing and supporting the sustainability plan, fostering a culture of ownership and collaboration in peacebuilding,” Nasir added.
In his paper presentation, the project manager, Hope For The Village Child Foundation Kaduna, Sadiq Bako, explained that the exercise will help to build bridges between people who are in conflict in the communities by bringing them together, using the ” Reflective Structured Dialogue” approach.
Bako said: ” Reflective Structured Dialogue (RSD) is a dialogue that is structured in a way that allows participants to come together on a round table to discuss constructively based on their personal experiences on the conflict with the sole aim of mutual learning and understanding, building relationship and trust, and laying a foundation for collaboration.”
Speaking on behalf of the participants, the Agom Kufana, His Royal Highest Titus Dauda applauded the project, which he said, it has changed the negative condition of the crisis-prone communities by promoting harmonious co-existence in Kaduna state.
“Conflicts can be managed through a variety of ways, such as independent reviewers, reassignment of responsibilities, modifying a research plan or other methods to reduce or minimize the effects of an actual or potential conflict,” the traditional ruler emphasised.
More Stories
Ondo Muslim Community adopts Aiyedatiwa as candidate for November 16 gov’ship election
Pastor Gbenga Akinbiyi Turns 50, Marks Milestone In Grandstyle
Aiyedatiwa vows not to interfere in selection of monarchs in Ondo State