From Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
In an effort to mitigate conflicts arising from farmers-herders clashes leading to the loss of lives and properties worth millions of Naira in Kaduna state, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) under the auspices of NEEM foundation has sensitized stakeholders in the state on the danger of farmers-herders crisis.
The sensitization exercise which aimed at amplifying the voices of women and youth on how to make their communities safer, had police, the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps (NCDC), religious leaders and traditional rulers in attendance.
Other stakeholders at the sensitization exercise include members of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) and Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN).
Addressing newsmen during the exercise in Kaduna the state administrative officer of NEEM foundation, Aliyu Mohammed, disclosed that the foundation has commenced the implementation of a project tagged: ” Protecting Our Communities Initiative” in Benue, Kaduna, and Zamfara states respectively.
While also explaining that the project employs frequent dialogues, community-driven, early warning-early response mechanisms, radio programming, and the de-escalation of rumours, amongst other peace engagements on social media.
According to the administrative officer, the exercise aimed at creating a platform for collaboration amongst state actors, where experiences are shared.
Speaking on the objectives of the sensitization exercise, the district liaison officer, Mujitaba Nasir said that one of the objectives is to inform and empower community stakeholders about the sustainability plan and elucidate their roles in ensuring peaceful co-existence amongst community members.
“It is to also inspire stakeholders to commit to collective action towards implementing and supporting the sustainability plan, fostering a culture of ownership and collaboration in peacebuilding” Nasir added.
In his paper presentation, the project manager, Hope For The Village Child Foundation Kaduna, Sadiq Bako, explained that the exercise will help to build bridges between people who are in conflict in the communities by bringing them together, using the “Reflective Structured Dialogue” approach.
Bako said: “Reflective Structured Dialogue (RSD) is a dialogue that is structured in a way that allows participants to come together on a round table to discuss constructively based on their personal experiences on the conflict with the sole aim of mutual learning and understanding, building relationship and trust, and laying a foundation for collaboration.”
Speaking on behalf of the participants, the Agom Kufana, His Royal Highest Titus Dauda applauded the project, which he said, it has changed the negative condition of the crisis-prone communities by promoting harmonious co-existence in Kaduna state.
“Conflicts can be managed through a variety of ways, such as independent reviewers, reassignment of responsibilities, modifying a research plan or other methods to reduce or minimize the effects of an actual or potential conflict,” the traditional ruler emphasised.