The Zamfara State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Nafisa Muhammad Maradun, has disclosed that Zamfara is committed to peacebuilding.
Dr. Nafisa gave the assurance while attending the Final Interstate Forum on the Protection of Our Communities Initiative (POC), titled “Putting Words to Action – Sustainability and Future Directions 2024”.
This was contained in a statement issued in Gusau on Friday by the Commissioner.
While speaking at the annual event held in Makurdi, Benue State, Maradun assured that the Zamfara State Government, under Governor Dauda Lawal, was fully committed to sustaining peacebuilding efforts through the POC Initiatives.
“I extend my deepest gratitude to the Neem Foundation, KARUNA CENTER for Peacebuilding, and the collaborating local Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), Voluntary Aid Initiative, Zamfara State, for their relentless dedication and unwavering support.
“The Protecting Our Community Initiative (POCI) Project has been a beacon of hope for Zamfara State, especially in these challenging times, through frequent dialogues, Early Warning and Early Response Mechanisms, radio programs, among others,” Maradun said.
The Commissioner further stated that the POC project has truly amplified the voices of women and youth, empowering them to make their communities safer.
“The focus on those affected by the farmer-herder crises has been particularly impactful, bringing much-needed attention and solutions to this pressing issue.
“Our state has faced significant security challenges with devastating effects on our citizens, especially women and children.
“In our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our people, we have established the Community Protection Guards and the Security Trust Funds, and we continue to provide robust support to all security agencies in the state.”
The Commissioner further assured that the Zamfara State Government is committed to promoting peacebuilding in the state.
“We recognize the importance of these initiatives in creating a peaceful and secure environment for all our citizens, and we pledge our continued support and collaboration.”
In his remarks, the Commissioner of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Benue State, Hon. Aondowase Kunde, shared his experience on the ongoing violent conflict that has led to the influx of internally displaced persons in the state, posing a challenge to the ministry and the government at large.
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Kunde commended the collaborating partners and stakeholders on the POC project for strengthening peaceful coexistence among communities.
The Executive Director of the Voluntary Aid Initiative (VAI), a Zamfara-based CSO, Mr. Musa Umar, said the POC project aims to explore new ways of resolving conflict by building on women’s and youth’s knowledge to increase civilian security through Early Warning and Early Response (EWER), community dialogue meetings, media, and MHPSS for peaceful coexistence.
Umar further stated that the project has greatly enhanced the capacity of women, youths, farmers, and herders, enabling them to effectively promote security interests.
The NEEM Foundation Director of Programs, Mr. Ahmed Jumare, commended participants for their support and commitment towards achieving the project’s desired goals.
Jumare said that the POC project has empowered stakeholders through various engagements to lead discussions on peacebuilding and conflict prevention in the communities.
