ActionAid Nigeria in collaboration with Participation Initiative For Behavioral Change in Development, (PIBCID) has begun the training of 500 youths against violent extremism in Kogi State.
The 500 youths who are expected to stay together in a peace camp in Lokoja according to the organizers will be drilled on the need to be an advocate of peacebuilding and to ensure harmonious working relationships irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2021 peace camp, the Director Organization Effectiveness in ActionAid Nigeria, Mrs Funmilayo Oyefusi, said the organization expect to build the physical, emotional, and intellectual capacity of the participants adding that participants would be able to stand as an independent peace ambassador in their various community.
Oyefusi who is also the camp director of this year edition of ActionAid Nigeria peace camp said the participant will be economically dependant on themselves adding that when they are empowered economically and socially, youths will not be recruited in conflicts or involved in violent extremism.
Halima Sadiq, in her remarks, noted that the essence of the peace camp is to raise peace champions across the 21 Local Government Areas of Kogi State.
“This is the third edition of the peace camp in Kogi State. These youths in the next five working days and seven camping days will be taken through diverse training skills.
“They will be taken on peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and skill acquisitions. By the time they get to their various community, they would have become peace ambassadors. So that these people can serve as a mediator when it comes to a peaceful resolution to prevent violent extremism” she said.
While declaring the peace camp open, the Kogi State Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development Idris Musa lauded ActionAid for their impacts on the society stressing that participants should translate what they have learnt in the camp to the outside world.
According to him, there is a need to enhance good morale adding that, when there is the absence of peace, there will be a crisis.
The Commissioner also applauded the State Government under the leadership of Governor Yahaya Bello for his proactive steps in securing the state.
Continuing, Idris said ” in Nigeria today, there is insecurity everywhere. There is massive kidnapping in other states but we are not witnessing it here in Kogi State.
“I made bold to say this that Kogi State is 100 per cent safe. Kudos, to Governor Bello, because he means well for our state.”
In her remarks, the Kogi State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Fatima Kabir Buba, while giving the participants at the youth camp motherly advice explained that youths are the most dominant in any society and must play an active role in peacebuilding.
“History reminds us that young people are on the front burner of building a great nation through promoting peace and oneness. Our country has been a victim of terror which has affected our economy and education. Through our collective efforts as peacebuilders, we can put an end to this menace,” she maintained.
On his part, the Special Adviser to the Governor of Kogi State on Sustainable Development Goal, (SDG) Hon. Nasir Ohiani urged participants to seize the opportunity of the peace camp by making a positive contribution to the development of Nigeria as a nation
“The #Endsars saga was an eye opener in Nigeria. Those that participated in this are youths within the age bracket of 25-30. That protest led to the destruction of properties which does not speak well of any nation.”
The State Security Adviser Commodore Jerry Omodara while admitting that the state is enjoying peace said it was due to collaboration from relevant stakeholders.
Omadara said the State Government under the leadership of Governor Yahaya will leave no stone unturned to weed out criminals elements from Kogi State.
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