Media Networks Advocate for 30% Budget Allocation for Peace building in Nigeria

From Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna

In a bid to promote peaceful coexistence across the country, media networks in Nigeria are urging both state and federal governments to allocate a significant portion of their budgets to peace-building initiatives.

Comrade Ibrahima Yakubu, Chairman of the Network of Peace Journalists Kaduna (NPJ), has specifically advocated for a 30% budget allocation dedicated to peace building programs across all states.

He emphasized the crucial need to prioritize peace education at all levels, from primary schools to universities, and empower vulnerable groups like women and youth in rural communities through vocational skills training.

Yakubu underscored the importance of peacebuilding in preventing conflicts, addressing underlying issues before they escalate, and fostering long-term stability.

He noted that the current 2024 budgets presented by various state governments lack adequate allocation for peace-building initiatives, despite the rising cases of conflict and insecurity in many parts of the country.

The statement issued by the NPJ on behalf of 100 media organizations highlights the increasing prevalence of various conflicts, including gender-based violence, ethno-religious tensions, political unrest, and youth crime, which threaten peace and stability across the nation.

Yakubu emphasizes the need for a dedicated peace-building budget to train and educate citizens on conflict resolution, peace building techniques, and the importance of unity.

The NPJ appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and state governors, particularly in the North East, North West, and Southern regions, to prioritize Peace building in their 2024 budget allocations.

Additionally, they urged the Kaduna state government to revive the Operation Yaki initiative and equip security personnel with modern technology to combat insecurity effectively.

The media networks also called on the government to address the root causes of conflict, such as poverty, unemployment, corruption, and illiteracy. They believe that transparency and accountability in budget allocation and implementation are crucial to ensure that resources reach the communities and individuals who need them most.

The NPJ emphasized the importance of public awareness and understanding of peacebuilding efforts. They suggest translating budget documents into local languages to ensure that everyone is informed about how resources are being used and can participate in promoting peace and stability in their communities.