Govs to Launch Peace, Inclusive Security Initiative Today

Governors of the 36 states of the federation will today launch their peace and inclusive security initiative in Abuja with a former military Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) in attendance.

According to a statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Mr. Abdullraque Barkindo, the event is aimed at tackling insecurity, conflict and violence.

He said the initiative would provide a platform for sharing experiences on government, civil society initiatives testing practicable ideas and pushing for implementation of innovative solutions to conflict and insecurity.

The initiative panel will comprise governors, heads of security and other eminent persons who can influence policy at the highest level and who might have contributed in promoting national peace and security.

Besides Abdulsalami, who doubles as the chairman of the National Peace Committee, other guests expected at the event include the Minister of Humanitarian, Disaster Management and Social Development, Ms. Sadiya Farouk; Prof. Abiodun Alao of the African Studies, Kings College London; the Director of the African Security Leadership Centre, Mr. Nnamdi Obasi; Senior Adviser on Nigeria International Crisis Group, Prof. Isaac Mbachu of Political Science and Defence Studies also former Head of Political Science and Defence Studies, Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).

The statement added that there would also be a technical steering committee, explaining that this will be the technical organ responsible for implementing the decisions and directions of the panel to be steered by the NGF Secretariat, the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, the Office of the Secretary to the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, the National Orientation Agency.

Others are the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development and the Ministry of Interior, related Ministries, departments and agencies at the state level, security agencies and military operations deployed in relevant states, donors, international organisations and civil societies.

The objectives of the meeting, it was gathered, included having agenda-setting on peace and stability, especially at the sub-national levels. It will support decision-making on security at the national level through the National Economic Council (NEC).

It will help in identifying the drivers of insecurity at the state level and stimulate collaborative response by stakeholders.

There will also be highlevel advocacy for peace and inclusive security among the governors and government institutions at federal and state levels.

The initiative will also, promote networking and synergy amongst state and non-state actors to enhance peace and inclusive security.