International Alert Nigeria, a non-governmental organisation, has taken significant steps to empower communities in Kaduna and Zamfara states on dispute resolution and addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The organisation noted that the empowerment efforts aim to tackle the causes of conflict from the grassroots to the policy level.
Addressing journalists yesterday in Abuja, the country director of International Alert Nigeria, Dr Paul Nyulaku-Bemshima, highlighted the achievements of the “Promoting Stability, Access to Justice, and Accountability” project, supported by the UK Integrated Security Fund.
He said this initiative focused on the North-West region, where high-intensity violence and insecurity, including rising banditry, have plagued communities.
Nyulaku-Bemshima emphasised the establishment of community dialogue platforms and safe spaces, providing psychosocial support to women affected by conflicts and creating community justice and stability plans.
He further stated that these efforts have empowered local populations to take ownership of peace-building processes.
“This meeting marks the conclusion of a crucial phase in our collaboration with various partners, law enforcement agencies, and community-based organisations. Together, we have worked to foster positive change and strengthen justice and accountability in North West Nigeria,” he said.
On his part, the executive director of Voluntary Aid Initiative, Musa Umar, praised the local justice system implemented in Zamfara State, which facilitated collaboration between community members and security agencies.
Also, Grace Yohanna, chairperson of the Women Peace and Mediation Platform (WOPEMP) in Jemaa LGA, Kaduna State, commended the project for augmenting government efforts to address sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), particularly in remote areas.
She stressed that the project’s impact is evident, with hundreds of women regularly gathering in safe spaces to discuss SGBV in Zamfara. Meanwhile, in Kaduna, insecurity has drastically reduced in Chikun LGA due to the programme’s interventions.
The project manager at International Alert Nigeria, Sunday Jimoh, highlighted the training of 120 dialogue facilitators and the resolution of numerous interpersonal and community conflicts, further strengthening peace in the region.
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