SPRiNG Targets End To Farmer/Herder Clashes, Mining Conflicts

A two-day interstate workshop convened in Makurdi is seeking practical and collaborative solutions to recurring farmer-herder clashes, illegal mining, and boundary disputes affecting Benue, Taraba, and Nasarawa States.

Organised by the Benue State Commission for Peace and Reconciliation (BECPR) in partnership with the UK-funded Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG) Programme, the workshop brought together government officials, civil society actors, and international development partners to tackle the region’s deep-rooted security and development challenges.

Speaking at the opening session held in Benue State yesterday, Benue State Deputy Governor, Barr. Samuel Ode called for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to foster security across the Benue Valley.

“Peacebuilding is a journey, not a destination,” Ode said. “Our shared borders mean our destinies are interconnected. Strengthening coordination and collaboration across these states is the only way we can truly secure our communities from conflict and external threats.”

The workshop focused on the complex and interconnected causes of violence in the region, particularly farmer-herder conflicts, illegal mining activities, and unresolved boundary issues that have led to mass displacement and strained intercommunal relations.

Director General of the Benue State Commission for Peace and Resilience, Ms. Josephine Habah, emphasised the need for regional synergy and community-level empowerment.

“We must dig deep to understand the real root causes of conflict—not just farmer-herder clashes—and co-create meaningful, long-term strategies for peace. Our traditional and religious leaders are central to this,” she said.

SPRiNG Team Lead, Dr. Ukoha Ukiwo, noted that the programme was designed to promote behavioural and institutional change by embedding peacebuilding into governance and development planning.

“This workshop reflects our belief that sustainable peace requires collaboration across state borders, inclusive engagement, and trust-building among all stakeholders,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr. Graham Gass, Senior Social Development Adviser at the British High Commission, reaffirmed the UK’s support for local and regional peace efforts.

“We designed the SPRiNG programme to support well-meaning stakeholders in their search for peaceful, practical solutions to the complex conflicts affecting Nigeria’s North Central region. Only through collaboration, mutual understanding, and follow-through can we truly shift from conflict to sustainable peace,” Gass stated.

Participants developed a joint action plan with specific commitments, including a framework for interstate synergy on conflict prevention, improved natural resource governance involving local communities, and revitalisation of degraded grazing reserves. The plan also seeks to link peacebuilding initiatives to long-term development goals by training local peace advocates and strengthening community-led conflict resolution structures.

The workshop marks a significant step toward institutionalising cross-border peace mechanisms in Nigeria’s conflict-prone Middle Belt region. SPRiNG will continue to provide technical support, research, and funding to ensure the full implementation of the joint action plan.

Funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the SPRiNG Programme (2024–2028) aims to enhance institutional capacity for conflict management, restore trust in public institutions, and build climate-resilient peace across Nigeria.

The President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria has appointed sensational Artist Johnbull of Abuja as the Director of Art, Culture, and Tourism.

The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), under the distinguished leadership of Honourable Ambassador Solomon Adodo, has approved and sealed Okechukwu John’s noble and well-deserving appointment to the office of the Director, National Directorate of Arts, Culture and Tourism.

Johnbull of Abuja, as he is fondly known in the entertainment industry, is a musical artist, Nollywood actor and show promoter with over 10 years of experience.

The National Youth Council of Nigeria plays a pivotal role in empowering youth and providing them with opportunities to grow and succeed. It serves as a platform for youths to voice their concerns, develop their skills, and actively contribute to national development.

This appointment reiterates the institution’s commitment to incorporating young leaders into its leadership structure. These leaders will serve on behalf of Nigerian youths and be dedicated to promoting their interests and welfare.

Okechukwu John, whose appointment didn’t come as a surprise to many, has previously served as the Director of Communications, Actors Guild of Nigeria, Abuja. Hence, his experience in Entertainment, hospitality, culture, and tourism comes in handy. Okechukwu John also occupies the office of the Provost of the “Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria”(PMAN) FCT, an umbrella body that shelters every Nigerian Musician.

Attending a two-day crucial retreat organized by the institution to critically prepare and strategically equip the members of the National Executive Committee, State Chairmen, and the Directors of the National Directorate for the task ahead has added to the wealth of knowledge about leadership skills, tacts, and diplomacy in the discharge of duties and management of responsibilities to ensure due process and accountability.

As a young entertainer craving for the improvement of the country’s image through tourism, Comrade Okechukwu John is seeking youth participation in governance while he democratically represents youth to ensure good governance and inclusion, he has attracted the attention of many Government Parastatals to promote entertainment, hosted peace music concerts, Organized Youth oriented merit Awards and shot Nollywood movies targeted towards the development of youths in Nigeria.

After meeting the expectations of the institutions that qualified him for this appointment, Comrade Okechukwu John has pledged to strengthen art, culture, and tourism through his office, mediate in the affairs of Nigerian youths whose aspirations are channelled towards the entertainment industry, and work toward building a youth Council where fairness, equity, and justice shall strive.