March 29, (THEWILL) – As part of the effort to sustain peace-building and reintegration of repentant Boko Haram insurgents, the Peace Ambassadors Centre for Humanitarian Aid and Empowerment (PACHE), has handed over 100 peace youths advocates to the Borno State government.
The State Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, declared the handing over “project close out” workshop open, with the theme: “Youth initiative for reintegration and sustainable peace in Borno state”, which was held in Maiduguri.
Prof Usman, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mohammed Alhaji Mohammed, disclosed the handed-over youths were identified, profiled and trained in mediation, diplomacy, reconciliation and conflict management for sustainable peace in the state.
He noted that most of the youths implemented the activities on peacebuilding including several town hall meetings, with 59 traditional rulers and a friendly football match between Konduga community and the repentant armed group.
“They are to play a great role in the multiplication of skills learned at the peace-building platform
“Youths play greater and vital roles in the reintegration process and sustainable peace in our state. The state government is committed to the youth-oriented programme and their social welfare in Borno state”, he said.
Mohammed assured that the Ministry and the Centre will monitor the activities of the 100 youths from Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC), Jere and Konduga local councils.
The President of PACHE, Amb. Ahmed Shehu, has said that the Centre, in partnership with the British Council, has complemented the efforts of the state government reintegration initiative.
According to him, the initiative was the implementation of the Borno Model of Reintegration, through the pilot project titled: “Youth Initiative for Reintegration and sustainable peace in Borno State.
“The youth were guided in developing peace-building and reconciliation projects that would benefit the entire community, as well as raising community awareness of reintegration and reconciliation.
“We are committed to ensuring the sustainability of our initiatives by working closely with stakeholders and implementing various activities and advocacy efforts.
“We will continuously monitor and evaluate the impact of the project, particularly focusing on the continued engagement and impact of our young peace ambassadors (advocates) within their communities”, Ahmed assured.
About the Author
I am Ladi Dapson, a general writer with thewill. I cover Borno and Yobe states respectively.
I based Maiduguri, Borno State Capital.
I can be reached via [email protected].
Very high and kind regards!
