IOM unveils €5.1m conflict prevention, resilience project for Katsina, Zamfara
Project
By Zubairu Idris
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), on Monday, inaugurated a €5.1 million fund to enhance conflict prevention and crisis response programmes in Zamfara and Katsina States.
The 18-month programme tagged: “Conflict Prevention, Crisis Response and Resilience in Katsina and Zamfara States (CPCRR),” being supported by the European Union (EU), would be implemented by the IOM, in collaboration with Mercy Corps and the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD).
Ms Dimanche Sharon, IOM Nigeria Chief of Mission, said the programme focused on turning resilience into lasting peace and stability.
“It means creating local peace committees so disputes can be solved around the table, not through violence.
“It also means restoring livelihoods through skills training, farming support and small businesses, so young people and women can build their futures free from fear.
“With support from the European Union/Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI), and in partnership with Mercy Corps Netherlands and the Centre for Democracy and Development, IOM Nigeria is working hand-in-hand with government, partners and communities, to address the root causes of conflicts,” she said.
The IOM official said the programme would target displaced persons, returnees and host communities across 10 local government areas.
She said the participating LGAs comprised eight in Katsina and two in Zamfara, stressing that the targeted 95,000 persons would turn resilience into lasting peace and stability.
Amb. Gautier Migno, EU Ambassador to Nigeria, assured pledged EU’s continued support to Nigeria’s sustainability and development programmes.
He said the EU had stepped up support to the education and energy sectors, highlighting it’s focus on peace and security.
Migno underscored the importance of involving women and people with disabilities in the peace-building processes.
Gov Dikko Radda described the project as a new era of hope and development for the state.
He said some schools were shut and farmers abandoned their lands due to the conflicts, especially in the frontline LGAs.
Radda said that addressing the crisis required great commitment from the government and other stakeholders, and commended EU for the project aimed at addressing the problem.
(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali
