WEEKLY Group engages 30 youths on peace building in Kaduna
About 30 selected youths from five communities in Kaduna state have been trained on peace building and conflict management aimed at changing the narrative and ensuring peace returns to the people in the area.
The communities including Dangoma in Jema’a local government, Kasuwan Magani in Kajuru local government, Sabon-Gari in Zaria local government, Birnin-Gwari in Birnin-Gwari local government and Rigasa in Igabi local government were selected based on history of violence recorded in the areas.
The training, organised by Plan International and Kaduna State Youth Peacebuilding Academy (KSYPA) in partnership with the Kaduna State Peace Commission and the Kukah Center, engaged the youth on how to build peace and manage conflict in their various environments.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Head of Programmes and Business Development of Plan International Nigeria, Dr. Oji Ogbureke said with appropriate support, the young people from across the five selected communities who participated are now well equipped to advocate and promote peace in the state.
Heurgedthestategovernment to build on the foundation of the project especially through the state’s Peace Commission which supported the initiative.
Special Adviser to Kaduna state governor on Conflict Resolution, Dr. Ayo Adedokun called on the youth to come together to foster peace in Kaduna state saying, “The future of Nigeria depends on you’’.
Permanent Secretary, Kaduna State Peace Commission, Hajiya Khadijah Hawajagambo urged every stakeholder in the state to join the drive for a peaceful and prosperous state.
“In peace building, everyone is important. No one is insignificant. The strength of anything is as strong as the weakest link. Nobody in Kaduna is unimportant. Youths, politicians, religious leaders, elders and all that are in Kaduna.”
Some of the participants who spoke to Arewa Trust assured that they will inculcate what they have learned to bring back peace in their various communities.
Focal Person, Sabon Gari Local, Professor Solomon Akuso said the programme has contributed in no small way to the peace that is currently being experienced in the communities
According to him, “Politics has contributed in no small measure to destabilizing our polity, before now, this was not the way we were living, there was peace, understanding and mutual respect for one another.”
Another participant, Mrs. Laraba Victor said there is need for women to be more involved in conflict management “because if we caution our children at home, our husbands at home, most of these conflicts will not go on.”
“There are areas that are no go areas during crisis in the past, but with the help of the group, and our youth ambassadors, things are getting better, now we can talk and work together. Before Muslims and Christians never interact, we do not want to have anything to do with each other, but we thank God now our shops are open and some people are now operating their businesses.”
Sambo Mika, a youth from Rigasa in Igabi local government areas said he was delighted at the peace moves being recorded in the state.