Zamfara District Heads Laud IOM Over 120 Android Phones Distribution

District Heads across the project implementation districts in Gusau and Bungudu Local Government Areas of Zamfara State have commended the International Organization for Migration (IOM), under the UN Migration programme, for distributing 120 Android phones and power banks to members of the Community Peace and Resilience Committees (CPRCs) and contact persons to strengthen Peace building and conflict prevention efforts.

The distribution ceremony, held in Gusau, brought together traditional rulers, members of the Community Peace and Resilience Committees, contact persons, and other key stakeholders involved in the implementation of the Peace building initiative.

Speaking during the event, officials of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said the communication devices would improve coordination, communication, and information sharing among CPRC members across Damba, Madawaki, Mayana, Gada Biyu, Kotarkwashi, Gada, Gulluba, and Sankalawa districts.

According to the officials, the phones will enable committee members to promptly report Early Warning and Early Response (EWER) incidents, particularly those relating to farmer herder conflicts and other emerging security concerns, thereby facilitating timely interventions to prevent violence and promote peaceful coexistence.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional leaders, the Chairman of the Community Peace and Resilience Committee (CPRC) and District Head of Madawaki Ward, Alh Dahiru Shehu, described the intervention as timely and impactful.

He said the provision of Android phones and power banks would strengthen the operational capacity of the committees by enhancing communication and supporting effective early warning and response mechanisms within their respective communities.

Alh Dahiru Shehu expressed appreciation to IOM and its partners for their continued support toward promoting peace at the grassroots, noting that the initiative would further empower community members to facilitate dialogue, resolve disputes peacefully, and prevent the escalation of conflicts.

He assured the organization that all beneficiaries would make proper use of the devices to support community based Peace building activities and safeguard the peace achieved in Gusau and Bungudu Local Government Areas.

The programme seeks to strengthen grassroots Peace building, improve community resilience, promote social cohesion, and support sustainable peace and stability in conflict affected communities across Zamfara and Katsina States.