Peace initiative launched in Kaduna, Katsina
Stakeholders from Kaduna and Katsina states have launched a peace project aimed at promoting inclusive peace and addressing conflicts in the region. The Building Inclusive Peace (BIP) project, funded by the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office and being implemented by Tetra Tech International Development in partnership with Gender Awareness Trust, will establish community-based peace […]
Stakeholders from Kaduna and Katsina states have launched a peace project aimed at promoting inclusive peace and addressing conflicts in the region.
The Building Inclusive Peace (BIP) project, funded by the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office and being implemented by Tetra Tech International Development in partnership with Gender Awareness Trust, will establish community-based peace structures in six Local Government Areas.
The project’s goal is to enhance local capacity for peacebuilding and conflict prevention, with a focus on dialogue, equity, and empowerment of women, youth, and marginalized groups as well as provide a platform for stakeholders to work together to build peaceful communities.
Speaking at the Inception meeting and formal launch of the project in Kaduna, the Executive Director, Gender Awareness Trust (GAT), Dr. Lydia Umar, said, “The objectives of the meeting among others is to provide a platform that enables us to introduce the project goal, objectives and planned interventions, clarify and understand our roles and expectations as stakeholders in BIP, solicit our collective commitment and buy in of the BIP project for our communities and establish partnership and collaboration that will guide our journey over the next 10 months and beyond in a sustainable manner.”
She explained that BIP Project seeks to establish and empower community-based peace structures across six Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Kaduna and Katsina States namely, Dutsin Ma, Batagarawa, Katsina, Sabon gari, Zangon Kataf and Kaduna South.
Damian Ihekoronye, representing the Strengthening Peace and Resilience Program, said the project will address farmer-herder conflicts and enhance coordination among security agencies and community actors.
Local leaders, including Kaduna South Local Government Chairman Rayyan Hussein, have pledged support for the project, emphasizing the importance of peace and security in their communities.
“We are going to give our support to ensure you achieve the desired aim in Kaduna South. The BIP project comes at a time when our community and many others across the country are grappling with the legacies of division, insecurity and social exclusion. We are particularly pleased with the project with emphasis on dialogue, equity and empowerment of women, youth and marginalised groups.
“As a local government, we are committed to working closely with GAT and all stakeholders to ensure that the objectives of this project are not only met but sustained. We believe that increasing peace is not merely the absence of conflict but it deepens justice, opportunity and a shared sense of belonging,” he added.