The Kaduna State Peace Commission in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UN Women, is actively working on implementing the “Strengthening Local and State-Level Peace Architectures for Peacebuilding in Kaduna and Katsina States of North West Nigeria.
The project is supported by the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (PBF).
The overarching goal of this initiative is to bolster non-violent approaches that enhance community resilience against conflict and insecurity. A significant step was taken as stakeholders from diverse backgrounds came together to discuss the implications of this project.
The Permanent Commissioner, Kaduna State Peace Commission, Rebecca John emphasized the importance of the gathering, saying “it serves as a focal point for all those involved in the essential work of peace-building across the state’s 23 local government areas.”
John said “a wide array of stakeholders, including security personnel, Journalists, Paramilitary units, women’s and youth organizations, Civil society organizations, and Non-governmental organizations, have joined forces.”
She explained that their collective aim is to collaborate and develop strategic initiatives that promote peace and encourage interreligious tolerance, which are fundamental aspects of the Kaduna State Peace Commission’s 5-year (2023-2027) Strategic Plan.
John added that “the primary objective of this collaborative effort is to strengthen local and state-level peace structures, thus contributing to peacebuilding and conflict prevention. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure enduring peace prevails in the state.”
The Permanent Commissioner with the Kaduna Peace Commission, Hajiya Khadija Gambo presented a paper focused on the “Proposed Priority Areas for Conflict Management and Peacebuilding Intervention in Kaduna State (2023-2027).”
She emphasized the commission’s core mandate of proactively devising and executing strategies that promote peaceful coexistence and harmony.
Gambo also highlighted the urgent need for an updated strategic plan for the Kaduna State Peace Commission, given new challenges such as banditry, kidnapping, and extremism, which were not previously considered, revising the existing plan has become essential.
The gathering seeks to address these changes and reach a consensus on the way forward.
On his part, the Co-Director of the Interfaith Mediation Center in Kaduna, Reverend Dr. James Wuye underscored the timely nature of the meeting.
Rev Wuye said; “it provides a platform to address emerging issues not previously covered in the plans while affirming their commitment to making Kaduna State a haven of peace and harmony.”
Mallam Ibrahima Yakubu, Team Leader of the Network of Peace Journalists in Kaduna, praised the commission for its consistent efforts in promoting peaceful coexistence among adherents of different faith-based organizations in the state
Yakubu recommended that the commission should acknowledge and honor individuals who have played a significant role in promoting peace and unity in the state.
He said that “the recognition would inspire others to actively contribute to peace while mitigating conflicts.”
Yakubu urged the Kaduna Peace Commission to provide quarterly media briefings on success stories that reflect the state’s transformative journey.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
