In an effort to mitigate conflicts arising from farmers herders clashes leading to loss of lives and properties in Kaduna state, a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), NEEM Foundation has sensitized stakeholders in the state on ways to address the drivers of conflicts.
Organizers of the sensitization described it as part of efforts aimed at amplifying the voices of women and youth on how to make their communities safer. In attendance were representatives of the police, Nigerian Civil Defence Corps (NCDC), religious leaders, and traditional rulers. Others 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, the State Administrative Officer; NEEM foundation, Aliyu Mohammed, disclosed that the Foundation has started the implementation of a project tagged: ” Protecting Our Communities Initiative” in Benue, Kaduna, and Zamfara states respectively.
He explained that the project employs frequent dialogues, community-driven, early warning – early response mechanism, radio programming, and the de-escalation of rumours, amongst other peace engagements on social media.
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According to the Administrative Officer, the sensitization also aims to create a platform for collaboration amongst state actors, where experiences are shared.
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In his paper presentation, the project manager, Hope For The Village Child Foundation Kaduna, Sadiq Bako, explained that the program 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, HRH 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 reviews, 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.
